Class E driver for transcutaneous power and data link for implanted electronic devices

Abstract

Magnetic transcutaneous coupling is frequently used for power and data transfer to implanted electronic devices. The paper describes a transmitter/coil driver based on the class E topology. The development of a 'high-Q approximation' simplifies the design procedure. A method of data modulation using synchronous frequency shifting is described. The class E circuit shows great promise, especially for circuits with unusually low coefficients of coupling. Transmitter coil currents of several amperes, at radio frequencies, with relatively low active device power dissipation, can easily be obtained.