Hybrid communication system for implantable devices and ultra-low power sensors

A hybrid ultrasound and RF communication link, comprising:

• a base unit, wherein said base unit is implantable to a host, wherein said base unit comprises:
• i. an ultrasound transducer circuit, wherein said ultrasound transducer circuit is disposed to receive ultrasound signals from a device that is external to said base unit, wherein said ultrasound transducer circuit is configured to convert said ultrasound signals into electrical signals, and to harvest energy carried by said ultrasound signals, wherein said ultrasound signals comprise data, power, or data and power;
• ii. a power recovery circuit, wherein said power recovery circuit is disposed to receive said electrical signals from said ultrasound transducer circuit, wherein said power recovery circuit is disposed to power said base unit;
• iii. a capacitor circuit, wherein said capacitor circuit is disposed to store the energy harvested by said ultrasound transducer circuit;
• iv. an antenna circuit, wherein said antenna circuit comprises an RF antenna or a second ultrasound transducer, wherein said antenna circuit is disposed to transmit, receive, or transmit and receive RF signals, said ultrasound signals, or said RF signal and said ultrasound signal;
• v. a data recovery circuit, wherein said data recovery circuit is disposed to receive said ultrasound signals from said ultrasound transducer circuit, wherein said data recovery circuit is disposed to receive other said ultrasound signals from a second ultrasound transducer circuit, wherein said data recovery circuit is disposed to receive said RF signals from said RF antenna;
• vi. a communication circuit, wherein said communication circuit is disposed to transmit said RF signals or transmit said ultrasound signals to communicate with said device that is external to said base unit, or communicate with other said base units, or communicate with said device that is external to said base unit and other said base units through said antenna circuit;
• and b. an external unit, wherein said external unit is external to said host, wherein said external unit is disposed to deliver power to said base unit, wherein said external unit is disposed to communicate with said base unit using said ultrasound signals, said RF signals, or said ultrasound signals and said RF signals.