Inductive link design for medical implants

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 2.5 MHz for 100 mW output power are provided. We were able to achieve 40% link efficiency with data rate of 128 kbps from laboratory-based discrete electronic components.