System for implantable devices that uses multi-coil based wireless power and data transfer to increase data transfer efficiency and battery life.

Biomedical implants are used in internal stimulation and the monitoring of internal vital signs. Because of power requirements and implant sizes, few devices rely on implanted batteries and most use wireless power transfer to operate the implanted device or to recharge the implanted battery.

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a system with an intermediate coil between a driving coil and a receiving coil, where the intermediate coil reduces the power loss in the driver resistance in order to improve power transfer efficiency. This power transfer efficiency is improved by increasing the number of coils from two to three (in the case of already existing implants) or four (in the case of new device).

Benchtop Prototype

• Offers improved power transfer efficiency.
• Less sensitive to source and load resistance.
• High efficiency results in low tissue heating and better safety standards.
• Enhances vital sign signal measurement with increased data transfer.
• Provides better tolerance of a greater distance between transmitter and receiver.

Publication Number: US-2012-0228958 A1
Patent Title: Apparatus, System and Method for Multicoil Telemetry
Jurisdiction/Country: United States
Application Type: Non-Provisional

Jonathan Tyler
801-587-0515
jonathan.tyler@utah.edu