Abstract

Advancement on biomedical instrumentation technology is gaining more attention. Some implantation

technology used to monitoring and treat conditions such as heart failure, neurological diseases, and
others. Thus, powering the implantable circuit is always being a main issue in design. Capacitive power
transfer (CPT) is one of the methods to deliver power to implanted device which is expected to be in
demand. However, studies on the use of this method on biomedical use are very limited compared to
other method such as inductive and ultrasound wireless power transfer.

Therefore Central to this development is the wireless power transfer (WPT) that has enabled
implantable medical devices (IMDs) to function for extended durations in mobile subjects. In this review,
we present the theory, link design, and challenges, along with their probable solutions for the traditional
near-field resonant inductively coupled WPT, capacitively coupled short ranged WPT, and more recently
developed ultrasonic, mid-field and far-field coupled WPT technologies for implantable applications. A
comparison of various power transfer methods, based on their power budgets and WPT range follows.

This method is relatively new part of contactless energy transfer and could be an alternative to the
currently established technologies for the contactless transmission of power, such as inductive power
transfer (IPT) and capacitive coupled power transfer (CPT). This paper presents a review on energy
transmission through ultrasonic transducers as a source of power that has been applied by various
researchers. Through this review, we hope that a better understanding of AET concept can be
established and therefore can have a bright future.

Neural implants have emerged over the last decade as highly effective solutions for the treatment of
dysfunctions and disorders of the nervous system. These implants establish a direct, often bidirectional,
interface to the nervous system, both sensing neural signals and providing therapeutic treatments. As a
result of the technological progress and successful clinical demonstrations, completely implantable
solutions have become a reality and are now commercially available for the treatment of various
functional disorders. Central to this development is the wireless power transfer (WPT) that has enabled
implantable medical devices (IMDs) to function for extended durations in mobile subjects. In this review,
we present the theory, link design, and challenges, along with their probable solutions for the traditional
near-field resonant inductively coupled WPT, capacitively coupled short ranged WPT, and more recently
developed ultrasonic, mid-field and far-field coupled WPT technologies for implantable applications. A
comparison of various power transfer methods, based on their power budgets and WPT range follows.
Power requirements of specific implants like cochlear, retinal, cortical and peripheral are also
considered and currently available IMD solutions are discussed. Patients safety concerns with respect to
electrical, biological, physical, electromagnetic interference and cyber security from an implanted
neurotech device are also explored in this review. Finally, we discuss and anticipate future
developments that will enhance the capabilities of current-day wirelessly powered implants and make
them more efficient and integrable with other electronic components in IMDs.