
Implantable electronic devices are powerful tools to alleviate a range of medical conditions. To minimize the risk of infections and increase patient comfort, no wires should penetrate the skin. For devices with a relatively high power consumption and located right under the skin, wireless power transfer through an inductive link is the most reliable method to ensure robust and long-term functionality. However, the efficiency of these inductive links highly depends on the size, location and variable power consumption of the implant. Here, we developed a functional prototype for the application of a neurostimulator implant located subcutaneously in a recess in the skull. Keeping all geometric constraints constant, we investigated the differences between a two-coil and three-coil inductive link, showing that the two-coil system has a higher peak efficiency of the inductive link of 84%, while the three-coil system displays a flatter efficiency curve with a peak of 78%, as a function of the variable power consumption. Furthermore, we have developed a closed-loop electronic system to drive the link at a fixed frequency of 27.12 MHz, with an overall system efficiency of 30%. Our results demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of using two-coil and three-coil inductive links, as well as the possibility to use these to transmit 60 mW to a subcutaneous implant. Such efficient and robust transcutaneous power transfer will allow for the development of safer and more patient-friendly implantable devices.
Technology, TRANSMISSION, three-coil, WIRELESS LINKS, FREQUENCY, Receivers, Radio transmitters, 46 Information and computing sciences, 09 Engineering, Optical transmitters, DELIVERY, Engineering, DESIGN, 10 Technology, inductive power transmission, Implants, visual prosthesis, inductive coupling, OPTIMIZATION, electrical stimulation, Skin, 40 Engineering, Science & Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Q-factor, two-coil, Biomedical circuits, Engineering, Electrical & Electronic, Coils, Voltage, MICROSTIMULATION, PERFORMANCE, TK1-9971, INTERFACE, Magnetic fields, STIMULATOR, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Power demand, 08 Information and Computing Sciences, Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering, neural prosthesis, neurostimulation
Technology, TRANSMISSION, three-coil, WIRELESS LINKS, FREQUENCY, Receivers, Radio transmitters, 46 Information and computing sciences, 09 Engineering, Optical transmitters, DELIVERY, Engineering, DESIGN, 10 Technology, inductive power transmission, Implants, visual prosthesis, inductive coupling, OPTIMIZATION, electrical stimulation, Skin, 40 Engineering, Science & Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Q-factor, two-coil, Biomedical circuits, Engineering, Electrical & Electronic, Coils, Voltage, MICROSTIMULATION, PERFORMANCE, TK1-9971, INTERFACE, Magnetic fields, STIMULATOR, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Power demand, 08 Information and Computing Sciences, Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering, neural prosthesis, neurostimulation
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