Wireless acoustic communications and power supply for in vivo biomedical devices

Pacemakers are common biomedical devices used in the treatment of specific cardiovascular problems. Current research in biomedical engineering is investigating the use of so called brain pacemakers to regulate conditions such as Parkinson's and other neurological conditions. In this paper, we demonstrate the principle of acoustic communications and power harvesting, in vivo. The signals are intended to be used for fixed in vivo biomedical devices, such as pacemakers, were wired and wireless RF communications cannot be used. Results show the performance of the communications channel. The frequency response, transfer function and transient response (at resonance) of the communications channel were measured. Successful communication was achieved through the communications channel using phase shift keying. A data rate of 40kbps could be achieved. Preliminary results harvesting these acoustic signals to recharge the in vivo biomedical devices give a maximum AC power of 1.12mW.