Compact radio module is optimised for use in medical implants

Both modules are based on Microsemi’s industry-leading ULP ZL70103 radio transceiver chip, which supports a very high data rate RF link for medical implantable communication applications.

RF technology is increasingly being used in a wide variety of medical implantable applications including cardiac care, physiological monitoring (such as insulin), pain management and obesity treatments. According to Roots Analysis Business Research & Consulting, the global neurostimulation devices market is likely to achieve sales of $6.5bn by 2017, growing at a CAGR of 17.9% from 2011 to 2017.

Microsemi’s ZL70103 family of products allows patient health and device performance data to be quickly transmitted with little impact to the battery life of the implanted device. The device operates in the 402-405MHz MICS band. Multiple low power wake-up options are supported including using an ULP 2.45GHz ISM band wake-up receive option. The ZL70103 consumes less than 6mA when transmitting or receiving and consumes only 290nA when in a periodic sleep/sniff mode (1 second sniff interval).

“Our radio modules allow medical device companies to focus more of their research dollars and development efforts on therapies that enable a better quality of life. The reduction in size makes it easier for companies to design smaller devices that aid patient comfort and reduce risk of infection, as a smaller incision is needed,” said Martin McHugh, Product Line Manager, Microsemi. “RF engineering is a highly specialised discipline and leveraging our deep expertise in this area also allows our customers to reduce design times, reduce time-to-market and minimise project risk.”

Microsemi’s ZL70323 radio solution is available now. The company also offers an Application Development Kit (ADK) to qualified customers.