Analysis of resonant coupled coils in the design of radio frequency transcutaneous links

Abstract

A theory of coupled resonant coils has been developed which makes possible the design of radio frequency transcutaneous links of simultaneously high overall efficiency and good displacement tolerance while keeping circuitry simple (particularly in the implanted receiver). Series-tuned transmitter coils were used, obtaining high efficiency. In the first example a stimulator which has excellent displacement tolerance because it works at critical coupling is designed. The second example shows how the theory was used when the voltage in the implant was regulated. The design process involvesad hoc compromises between disparate quantities (e.g. efficiency against voltage transfer ratio), rendering a standard design procedure unsuitable. Fortunately, the derived theoretical formulae are simple enough for every design to be considered from fundamentals, based on coil parameters. Extensive coil loss data are presented here for the frequency band 0·2 to 20 MHz.