Design concepts for wireless communication in implantable medical applications

The number of available electronic implantable devices is increasing every year. The complexity and functionality of these devices is also increasing at a significant rate. Communications with these complex devices for physician adjustment and to collect data is becoming increasingly important to provide the maximum patient comfort and the most effective treatment for medical conditions. A Communications band has been allocated in both North American and Europe specifically for communications with implanted devices. This paper reviews some of the unique requirements for an implanted wireless transceiver, regulatory requirements of the Medical Implantable Communication Service (MICS) band. provides a description of a product competing in this arena and a unique crystal startup circuit that can significantly reduce power consumption in power critical implant applications.