Design of a novel miniature implantable rectenna for in-body medical devices power support

A human tissue-implantable rectenna that comprises a compact-size planar inverted F-antenna (PIFA) and a rectifier system is presented. The developed PIFA is intended for wireless data telemetry and power transmission operation within the Medical Device Radiocommunications Service band (MedRadio, 402-405 MHz) and the industrial, scientific and medical band (ISM, 902.8-928 MHz), respectively. PIFA miniaturization and dual-frequency operation is accomplished through the slit insertion and L-shaped slot loading upon patch surface. The implanted antenna design analysis is carried out inside the muscle tissue of a cylindrical three-layered phantom representing the human arm. The resonance, radiation, and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) performance of the implanted PIFA is assessed. Subsequently, a rectifier system is designed based on power link budget calculations and safety considerations; the RF-to-DC conversion efficiency is, then, evaluated.