A Bluetooth-based Low-Energy Qi-compliant battery charger for implantable medical devices

Abstract

In this paper, we present a smart battery charging system implementing the recently established Qi wireless power transmission standard. Proposed device offers the possibility of charging batteries with any Qi certified power transmitter. It eliminates the dependency to a special charger making energy supplying possible in public places and foreign countries without special equipment or adapters. It is remotely controlled through Bluetooth Low Energy protocol allowing real-time control and supervision with smartphones. The proposed device can be used with single or multiple implants architecture. Experiments have been conducted with various implants prototypes. Proposed charging system ensured proper operation and supervision. System design and experimental results are reported and discussed.