Inductive link design for medical implants

Abstract

This paper describes design principles to design and develop a transcutaneous link for medical implants using inductively coupled coils. Parameters which optimize link efficiency have been discussed in the light of previous studies and a simple design methodology to find optimized parameters for Class E amplifier and inductive coils is outlined. Paper also describes design of an indigenously developed transcutaneous link from commercial off-the-shelf components to demonstrate the design process. Simulation and practical results of the link developed at 2.5MHz for 100mW output power are provided. We were able to achieve 40% link efficiency with data rate of 128kbps from laboratory-based discrete electronic components.