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Zheng Y, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Pan Q, Yan X, Li X, Yang Z. Enhancing Ultrasound Power Transfer: Efficiency, Acoustics, and Future Directions. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2407395. [PMID: 39044603 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202407395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Implantable medical devices (IMDs), like pacemakers regulating heart rhythm or deep brain stimulators treating neurological disorders, revolutionize healthcare. However, limited battery life necessitates frequent surgeries for replacements. Ultrasound power transfer (UPT) emerges as a promising solution for sustainable IMD operation. Current research prioritizes implantable materials, with less emphasis on sound field analysis and maximizing energy transfer during wireless power delivery. This review addresses this gap. A comprehensive analysis of UPT technology, examining cutting-edge system designs, particularly in power supply and efficiency is provided. The review critically examines existing efficiency models, summarizing the key parameters influencing energy transmission in UPT systems. For the first time, an energy flow diagram of a general UPT system is proposed to offer insights into the overall functioning. Additionally, the review explores the development stages of UPT technology, showcasing representative designs and applications. The remaining challenges, future directions, and exciting opportunities associated with UPT are discussed. By highlighting the importance of sustainable IMDs with advanced functions like biosensing and closed-loop drug delivery, as well as UPT's potential, this review aims to inspire further research and advancements in this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Zhuomin Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Yanhu Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Qiqi Pan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Xiaodong Yan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Xuemu Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Zhengbao Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
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Li J, Gao Y, Zhou Z, Ping Q, Qiu L, Lou L. An AlScN Piezoelectric Micromechanical Ultrasonic Transducer-Based Power-Harvesting Device for Wireless Power Transmission. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:624. [PMID: 38793197 PMCID: PMC11122758 DOI: 10.3390/mi15050624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasonic wireless power transfer technology (UWPT) represents a key technology employed for energizing implantable medical devices (IMDs). In recent years, aluminum nitride (AlN) has gained significant attention due to its biocompatibility and compatibility with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In the meantime, the integration of scandium-doped aluminum nitride (Al90.4%Sc9.6%N) is an effective solution to address the sensitivity limitations of AlN material for both receiving and transmission capabilities. This study focuses on developing a miniaturized UWPT receiver device based on AlScN piezoelectric micro-electromechanical transducers (PMUTs). The proposed receiver features a PMUT array of 2.8 × 2.8 mm2 comprising 13 × 13 square elements. An acoustic matching gel is applied to address acoustic impedance mismatch when operating in liquid environments. Experimental evaluations in deionized water demonstrated that the power transfer efficiency (PTE) is up to 2.33%. The back-end signal processing circuitry includes voltage-doubling rectification, energy storage, and voltage regulation conversion sections, which effectively transform the generated AC signal into a stable 3.3 V DC voltage output and successfully light a commercial LED. This research extends the scope of wireless charging applications and paves the way for further device miniaturization by integrating all system components into a single chip in future implementations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiang Li
- School of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 201800, China; (J.L.); (Y.G.); (Z.Z.)
- The Shanghai Industrial μTechnology Research Institute, Shanghai 201899, China
| | - Yunfei Gao
- School of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 201800, China; (J.L.); (Y.G.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zhixin Zhou
- School of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 201800, China; (J.L.); (Y.G.); (Z.Z.)
- The Shanghai Industrial μTechnology Research Institute, Shanghai 201899, China
| | - Qiang Ping
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China; (Q.P.); (L.Q.)
| | - Lei Qiu
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China; (Q.P.); (L.Q.)
| | - Liang Lou
- The Shanghai Industrial μTechnology Research Institute, Shanghai 201899, China
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Miziev S, Pawlak WA, Howard N. Comparative analysis of energy transfer mechanisms for neural implants. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1320441. [PMID: 38292898 PMCID: PMC10825050 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1320441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
As neural implant technologies advance rapidly, a nuanced understanding of their powering mechanisms becomes indispensable, especially given the long-term biocompatibility risks like oxidative stress and inflammation, which can be aggravated by recurrent surgeries, including battery replacements. This review delves into a comprehensive analysis, starting with biocompatibility considerations for both energy storage units and transfer methods. The review focuses on four main mechanisms for powering neural implants: Electromagnetic, Acoustic, Optical, and Direct Connection to the Body. Among these, Electromagnetic Methods include techniques such as Near-Field Communication (RF). Acoustic methods using high-frequency ultrasound offer advantages in power transmission efficiency and multi-node interrogation capabilities. Optical methods, although still in early development, show promising energy transmission efficiencies using Near-Infrared (NIR) light while avoiding electromagnetic interference. Direct connections, while efficient, pose substantial safety risks, including infection and micromotion disturbances within neural tissue. The review employs key metrics such as specific absorption rate (SAR) and energy transfer efficiency for a nuanced evaluation of these methods. It also discusses recent innovations like the Sectored-Multi Ring Ultrasonic Transducer (S-MRUT), Stentrode, and Neural Dust. Ultimately, this review aims to help researchers, clinicians, and engineers better understand the challenges of and potentially create new solutions for powering neural implants.
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Kim H, Rigo B, Wong G, Lee YJ, Yeo WH. Advances in Wireless, Batteryless, Implantable Electronics for Real-Time, Continuous Physiological Monitoring. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2023; 16:52. [PMID: 38099970 PMCID: PMC10724104 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes recent progress in developing wireless, batteryless, fully implantable biomedical devices for real-time continuous physiological signal monitoring, focusing on advancing human health care. Design considerations, such as biological constraints, energy sourcing, and wireless communication, are discussed in achieving the desired performance of the devices and enhanced interface with human tissues. In addition, we review the recent achievements in materials used for developing implantable systems, emphasizing their importance in achieving multi-functionalities, biocompatibility, and hemocompatibility. The wireless, batteryless devices offer minimally invasive device insertion to the body, enabling portable health monitoring and advanced disease diagnosis. Lastly, we summarize the most recent practical applications of advanced implantable devices for human health care, highlighting their potential for immediate commercialization and clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonseok Kim
- IEN Center for Wearable Intelligent Systems and Healthcare, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Bruno Rigo
- IEN Center for Wearable Intelligent Systems and Healthcare, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Gabriella Wong
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Yoon Jae Lee
- IEN Center for Wearable Intelligent Systems and Healthcare, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Woon-Hong Yeo
- IEN Center for Wearable Intelligent Systems and Healthcare, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Institute for Materials, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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Pan J, Bai C, Zheng Q, Xie H. Review of Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers for Rangefinders. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:374. [PMID: 36838074 PMCID: PMC9961946 DOI: 10.3390/mi14020374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) rangefinders have been rapidly developed in the last decade. With high output pressure to enable long-range detection and low power consumption (16 μW for over 1 m range detection has been reported), pMUT rangefinders have drawn extensive attention to mobile range-finding. pMUT rangefinders with different strategies to enhance range-finding performance have been developed, including the utilization of pMUT arrays, advanced device structures, and novel piezoelectric materials, and the improvements of range-finding methods. This work briefly introduces the working principle of pMUT rangefinders and then provides an extensive overview of recent advancements that improve the performance of pMUT rangefinders, including advanced pMUT devices and range-finding methods used in pMUT rangefinder systems. Finally, several derivative systems of pMUT rangefinders enabling pMUT rangefinders for broader applications are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiong Pan
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chenyu Bai
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qincheng Zheng
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Huikai Xie
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), Beijing 100081, China
- BIT Chongqing Center for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Chongqing 400030, China
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