Powering and communicating with mm-size implants

This paper deals with system level design considerations for mm-size implantable electronic devices with wireless connectivity. In particular, it focuses on neural sensors as one application requiring such miniature interfaces. Common to all these implants is the need for power supply and a wireless interface. Wireless power transfer via electromagnetic fields is identified as a promising option for powering such devices. Design methodologies, system level trade-offs, as well as limitations of power supply systems based on electromagnetic coupling are discussed in detail. Further, various wireless data communication architectures are evaluated for their feasibility in the application. Reflective impulse radios are proposed as an alternative scheme for enabling highly scalable data transmission at <1pJ/bit. Finally, design considerations for the corresponding reader system are addressed.