A simple dc-dc converter for the power supply of a cochlear implant

A resonant topology based on class-E is presented as the power supply of a cochlear implant. This topology has the important advantage of a small number of components and a grounded single switch. Zero voltage switching can be achieved, which significantly reduces switching losses and improves efficiency. A circuit has been designed, built and tested in order to check the feasibility of the topology for the mentioned contactless application. The results are very good, the efficiency has been clearly improved compared to the former system and the autonomy has increased.