Basic study of a transcutaneous information transmission system using intra-body communication.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Wearable Technology
• Implantable Devices

Background:

• Transcutaneous communication systems (TCS) are vital for monitoring and controlling artificial organs.
• Existing TCS often involve energy-intensive conversions, limiting efficiency.
• A need exists for energy-saving, reliable transcutaneous data transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel transcutaneous communication system (TCS) utilizing the human body as a conductive medium.
• To achieve energy-saving data transmission through a simple electrical circuit.
• To evaluate the performance of the developed TCS for potential use in artificial organ monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Developed a TCS using the human body as a conductive medium.
• Employed amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation/demodulation at 4 and 10 MHz carrier frequencies.
• Tuned L-C tank circuits to resonant frequencies, incorporating body capacitance for effective current application.
• Conducted bidirectional communication tests on human subjects.

Main Results:

• Successfully transmitted 3,315 bytes of data bi-directionally without communication errors.
• Achieved a data transmission rate of 115 kbps.
• Demonstrated communication between left wrist, right forearm, abdomen, and left calf.
• Each TCS unit consumed 125 mW power with a 7 mA (RMS) ASK modulated current.

Conclusions:

• The developed TCS effectively uses the human body as a conductive medium for data transmission.
• The system offers energy-saving and simple electrical circuit design.
• This technology shows potential as a next-generation transcutaneous communication device for artificial organs, pending further safety studies.