Microelectronics - In-Body Communications - Getting The Signal Out (Zarlink Semiconductor)

In-Body Communications – Getting The Signal Out

As a member of the Healthy Aims Program, a European initiative developing new medical implant devices taking advantage of RF (Radio Frequency) technology, Zarlink is designing novel in-body antennas and ultra low-power communications systems for Body Area Networks.

A key element of an RF-linked implant is the in-body antenna, which must meet stringent biocompatible and size-limit requirements. An implanted transceiver also faces numerous RF challenges. Unlike free-air performance, the human body is often an unpredictable and hostile environment for a wireless signal.

Healthcare Goes Wireless

Improving therapy and diagnoses, an implanted pacemaker will regularly transmit performance data and the patient’s condition to a clinician’s office. If the pacemaker detects a cardiac arrest, the device could signal to a base station to alert an emergency response team.

Integrated communications from different in-body implants and on-body sensors will also allow hearing for the deaf, sight for the blind, and mobility for the disabled. Using Functional Electrical Stimulus (FES), implants can stimulate muscles or nerves in response to movement detected by sensors elsewhere on the body, allowing a paralyzed patient to walk again. Similarly, a radio-controlled valve for the urinary tract is in development that will be operated on-demand to restore bladder control.

Zarlink & Healthy Aims – Learn More

Work on the Healthy Aims project is currently underway at Zarlink’s facility in Caldicot, South Wales. Read more about the company’s innovative work on in-body antennas and Body Area Networks

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