Microprocessor controlled class e driver
AssigneeAlfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
InventorsBrian R. Dearden, James H. Wolfe, Manish Khemani
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A charger including a class E power driver, a frequency-shift keying (“FSK”) module, and a processor. The processor can receive data relating to the operation of the class E power driver and can control the class E power driver based on the received data relating to the operation of the class E power driver. The processor can additionally control the FSK module to modulate the natural frequency of the class E power transformer to thereby allow the simultaneous recharging of an implantable device and the transmission of data to the implantable device. The processor can additionally compensate for propagation delays by adjusting switching times.
Claims36
A charger comprising:
- a charging coil, wherein the charging coil is configured to magnetically couple with an implantable device to recharge the implantable device;
- a class E driver electrically connected to the charging coil, wherein the class E driver comprises:
- a switching circuit, wherein the switching circuit is switched by the application of a first voltage to the switching circuit;
- and
- a current sensor positioned to sense a current passing through the charging coil;
- and
- a processor electrically connected to the class E driver to receive data indicative of the current passing through the charging coil and electrically connected to the class E driver to control the switching circuit via the application of the first voltage to the switching circuit, wherein the processor is configured to receive data indicative of the current passing through the charging coil and control the switching circuit in response to the received data.
A charger comprising:
- a charging coil, wherein the charging coil is configured to generate a magnetic field having a frequency and to magnetically couple with an implantable device to recharge the implantable device;
- a class E driver electrically connected to the charging coil;
- and
- an FSK module configured to modulate the frequency of the magnetic field among at least three frequencies.
A method of communicating with an implantable device during charging of the implantable device, the method comprising:
- generating a charging signal with a charging coil, wherein the charging signal has an initial, first frequency;
- and
- transmitting data by modulating the frequency of the charging signal between a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency and a third frequency that is higher than the first frequency.
A method of controlling a charger comprising:
- creating a magnetic coupling between a charger and an implantable device, wherein the magnetic coupling charges the implantable device;
- setting an initial frequency of a drive signal, wherein the frequency of the drive signal is set by a processor, and wherein the drive signal controls the opening and closing of a switch;
- sensing a voltage at the switch at a first time;
- based on the voltage at the switch at the first time, retrieving a value identifying a second frequency;
- and
- changing the frequency of the drive signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.