Driveline system and method for an implantable medical device

A driveline system for an implantable medical device that connects the implantable medical device to an external controller, wherein the driveline system comprises:

• (A) a driveline comprising:
• first and second power conductors that provide a first polarity of power from the external controller to the implantable medical device, wherein the first and second power conductors are interconnected;
• third and fourth power conductors that provide a second polarity of power from the external controller to the implantable medical device, wherein the third and fourth power conductors are interconnected;
• (B) a first driveline communication transceiver in the implantable medical device and coupled to the first, second, third and fourth power conductors in the driveline that provides digital communication to and from the external controller over the first, second, third and fourth power conductors in the driveline;
• and
• (C) a second driveline communication transceiver in the external controller and coupled to the first, second, third and fourth power conductors in the driveline that provides digital communication to and from the implantable device over the first, second, third and fourth power conductors in the driveline.

A method for an external controller to communicate with an implantable device on a driveline that connects the external controller to the implantable device, the method comprising:

• providing first and second conductors in the driveline that provide a positive power connection from the external controller to the implantable device;
• providing third and fourth conductors in the driveline that provide a negative power connection from the external controller to the implantable device;
• providing power from the external controller to the implantable device on the first, second, third and fourth conductors;
• and
• performing digital communication between the external controller and the implantable device on the first, second, third and fourth conductors.