Performance of a Tuned Ferrite Core Transcutaneous Transformer

The development of a practical power transmission system for a rechargeable artificial heart requires not only a means of efficiently coupling the required electromagnetic energy across the skin, but also a charge regulator, a primary cooling loop, and a suspension system for aligning the cores. This paper describes a tuned transcutaneous transformer which utilizes ferrite pot cores with Litz windings. Typically, the transformer operates over a frequency range from 12 to 20 kHz. Power levels of 150 W into a 16-Ω load have been demonstrated in vivo.