IPASJ International Journal of Electronics & Communication (IIJEC)

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Volume 5, Issue 5, May 2017 ISSN 2321-5984

Wireless Charging Solution for Artificial

Cardiac Pacemakers
Houda Bougrine, Idriss Charai, Yassine Salih Alj
1
School of Science and Engineering Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane,Ifrane, Morocco

Abstract
In order to surpass the energy supply limit and its drawbacks, the idea of wireless charging for artificial cardiac pacemaker is
discussed. Since there are many ways of delivering power wirelessly with various advantages and disadvantages, only one will
be considered because it is best suited for medium frequency devices that need quick and efficient charging, while being
completely harmless to humans. The wireless power transfer (WPT) technique investigated in this paper is the inductive
coupling. This technique is based on coupling two main coils (inductors); one that transmits power generated in a first circuit,
and another that receives it and delivers it to the pacemaker through a second circuit. Throughout this paper, the aim is to find
the optimum way to charge the pacemaker wirelessly and at the same time minimize its size by reducing the battery design
criteria.
Keywords: energy supply, inductive coupling, pacemaker, wireless power transfer.

1. INTRODUCTION
There are plenty of medical battery-powered implants that need to be charged over different periods of time, involving
relatively complex surgeries that represent a huge risk on the patients health. To bring more comfort to these peoples
day-to-day life, wirelessly transferred power will simplify the charging of these devices, such as the traditional cardiac
pacemaker. The pacemaker, as it is well known, monitors the heartbeats by providing electrical stimulation when the
beats are too slow or when there is absence of intrinsic impulses. However, the energy supplied to the device has been
one of the main limitations to the mechanism of a traditional pacemaker [1].
In addition to the implanted battery, the pacemaker is composed of a computerized generator and electrodes that are
considered sensors. The pacemaker mechanism is based on creating an electric field between the electrodes. There has
to be a difference in potential of about -80 to -60 mV [2]. The pacemaker has one to three wires that insure the
connectivity and stimulation of the heartbeats. The wires in a single-chamber are responsible of carrying the pulses
from the generator to the right ventricle of the heart, the wires in a dual-chamber carry pulses from the generator to the
right atrium [3].
Wireless charging is a new technology that consists of transmitting power remotely and can be classified depending on
the type of charging: inductive coupling, magnetic resonance coupling, and capacitive coupling, or they can be seen as
non-radiative-based and radiative-based charging. In thispaper,the focus is only on inductive coupling type chargers;
they are efficient and safe for humans. This latter uses magnetic field induction to deliver a certain amount of electric
power. The inductive power transfer occurs when the primary coil generates a varying magnetic field due to the energy
transmitter and induces the voltage across the secondary coil. The voltage generated is then designated for charging
purposes [4].
Researchers were able to use two coupled tuned circuits, each made of a 25 cm self-resonant coil of wire, at 10 MHz to
transmit 60 W of power over 2 meters, which is 8 times the diameter of the coil, at around 40% efficiency [5]. Some
studies show that high efficiencies can be achieved by resonant inductive coupling at ranges many times greater than
the diameter of the coil[6].It has also been demonstrated that power could be transmitted with an efficiency of 72% at
10 to 12 MHz band over a distance of 10 mm, which is reasonable for powering devices such as pacemakers [7]. Also,
most modern pulse generators are approximately the size a 50 cents coin and around 3 times as thick [8].
The mechanism or the design of the wireless power transfer for the pacemaker is focused on the coil optimization
design, frequency optimization selection and circuit design. The coils (primary and secondary) are the main parts that
need more attention in the charger device in order for the system to operate well and efficiently. To increase the
efficiency of the two coils, making them bilayer instead of monolayer produces twice as much power and resistance [9].
This paper investigatesa wireless charging solution for pacemakers using the inductive coupling technique because of
its safety and efficiency. In addition, coil optimization design, frequency selection, and circuit design are also
targeted.Moreover, it also shows how to reduce the overall size of the pacemaker by minimizing the battery volume
which takes up to half the space of the device. The aim is to perform size reduction but still have a reasonable battery
lifespan with the ability to recharge the device wirelessly over an acceptable range.

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 IPASJ International Journal of Electronics & Communication (IIJEC)
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The paper is structured as follows: First, the charging principles; a brief explanation of how wireless charging is done.
Second, mathematical modeling to give some concreteness to what has been discussed in the section before. Third, in-
depth discussion of the battery design process. Fourth, the charging results. And finally, the conclusion.

2. PACEMAKER CHARGING PRINCIPLES

The whole process of charging the pacemaker is based on the technique of wireless power transfer (WPT) that consists
of a power source considering a high speed switching circuit. There are diverse wireless techniques that can be opted
for, but the ultimate approach is the inductive coupling technique. Inductive power transfer happens when the primary
coil of the power transmitter generates a magnetic field across space received by the secondary coil of the device (in this
case the pacemaker) [4]. The near magnetic field generated induces current across the secondary coil that is used for
wireless charging purposes. As for the operating frequency of this coupling, it should be in the range of kilohertz.
2.1 Coil Design
Coils are basically transformers that consist of an iron surrounded by windings (primary or secondary windings). The
ratio of turns in a coil determine the output potential; the higher the turns, the higher is the output voltage.
The coils are the key behind guaranteeing the power transfer to the device; thus, it requires a bit of attention in the
process of selection. Each application needed for wireless charging purposes requires a certain level of power transfer.
Following this, coils can be grouped as listed in Table 1:
Table 1: Types of coils for wireless power transfer

Free-Positioning Manufacturing
Single Coil Printed Circuit Board Coils
Multi-coil Solution Litz Coils

Multi-coil solution is used when the free-positioning design is required,which is the case in automotive sector.
However, printed circuit board coils (PCB) illustrated in Fig.1,are used in most wireless charging applications [10].
Printed circuit board coils are most often considered in the very-high to ultra-high frequency devices in order to
minimize their sizes. PCB coils, referred to as spiral inductors as well, are also effective in systems where adjustments
are not required and when the inductance does not exceed micro-Henry.

Figure 1 Digital Photograph Showing a Real Size of a Printed Circuit Board coil typically used in Very High to
Ultra High Frequency bands for size reduction
Single PCB coils seem to be the best alternative as there is no need in having free positioning that requires a complex
structure and would cost much more than the single coil. This choice of printed circuit board is explained by their
sizing. Indeed, they help greatly in minimizing the size of the pacemaker by sacrificing a tiny amount of inductance,
which is easy to compensate for.
This is one of the many steps towards this investigations goal: to make the PCB coils even stronger given that they do
not have a high efficiency, turning them into bilayer increases their power twice, which then positively affects the
coupling. This increase in power is what compensates for the missing inductance.
2.2 Circuit Design
The circuit of the system investigated in this paper considers a Single Input Single Output setting as illustrated in Fig.
2.

Figure 2 Circuit diagram of a SISO model for inductive power transfer using Pspice

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The whole system consists of four other subsystems that are detailed in Fig.3.

Figure 3 Block-diagram of the wireless charging solution

3. MATHEMATICAL MODELING
Let d be the distance between the two coils. The resonance angular frequency (w0) for both coils must be:

(1)

Where Lis the inductance and C is the capacitance. The subscripts t and r refer to the transmitting and receiving
parts of the circuit respectively.
Following Kirchhoffs Voltage Law, the alternative circuit across the two coils can be expressed as:

(2)

WhereM is the mutual inductance, R the resistance, I the current, V the voltage, and j the complex number .
The subscripts s and L refer to the source and the load respectively. From equation (2), the power generated at the
receiver can be deducted as:

, (3)

WhereP is the power, the efficiency given by

, (4)

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Q represents the quality factor given by

, (5)

andk the coupling coefficient factor between the two coils. It is a function of M, Lt, and Lr and can be expressed as:

. (6)

4. WIRELESS CHARGER FOR PACEMAKERS: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

With the introduction of this considered wireless charging solution to the pacemaker system, questions regarding the
conventional size, shape, and weight of the device arise: Is there still a need for the same batteries? How can this
solution affect the overall shape of the pacemaker? And of course, is it safe for humans to transmit power into a device
implanted in their bodies?
The answers are: Firstly, yes and no; Lithium-Iodide batteries, first developed by Wilson Great Batch, are among the
top technologies, so there is no need to change the battery type. However, when it comes to volume and size, it is the
aim in this paper to have another battery with characteristics much reduced, maybe including the voltage output.
Secondly, by reducing the size of the battery, which occupies about half the space in the device, the overall volume and
weight will be reduced as well. This positively affects the users mental and physical state as it is a matter of comfort
[11].
Finally, the Wireless Power Transfer method used (inductive coupling) was chosen specifically for the fact that it is
totally safe for humans [12].
4.1 Battery Requirements
There are many specifications regarding battery characteristics that haveto be taken into account. The diagram
illustrated in Fig. 4 lists the most important ones.
Pacemaker
Open Circuit
Pulse Energy:
Voltage:
About 25 J
2.8 V
Failure Rate: Control Circuit
0.005% Minimal
failures/month Voltage:
2.2 V
Lifespan:
99.6%
Probability to Current Drain:
exceed 8 years 10 A

A.h rating: End-of-Life

Up to 2 A.h Battery
Resistance:
10 k

Duty Cycle: C_hold:

16.7% 10 F

Figure 4 Pacemaker battery specifications

Most importantly, the physical characteristics of the battery (to be optimized):
Weight: Lithium provides eight times as much electricity as lead, with only one-thirtieth the weight. A Lithium-
Iodine battery typically weighs between 12.5 to 15.5 grams for different manufacturers of the pacemaker device.
This variation is due to the longevity and current drain capabilities of the battery [13].
Volume: Varies between 5 to 8 cubic centimeters typically.
Lifespan: Should be 5 to 15 years [14].

4.2 Adjustments
The aim is to reduce in size and weight of the pacemaker, which still turn out to be too important and heavy for the
carrier. With the addition of wireless charging compared to conventional pacemakers, significant changes happen on
the circuitry and on the battery itself. Given that the battery occupies about half the space in the device, it is mandatory
to modify it so as to get fruitful results.

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 IPASJ International Journal of Electronics & Communication (IIJEC)
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Lithium batteries such as the 3V CR2450 with a shelf life of 8 years are interesting subjects that can be reproduced with
some modifications to the volume, longevity, and current drain capabilities.Little details govern greater dimensions;
keeping that in mind, only a few parameters need to be taken care of when trying to reduce battery volume.

First, most conventional pacemakers are powered by 3V Lithium-Iodide batteries. These are half-disc shaped with
acertain thickness, usually around 49 x 6 diameter and thickness, respectively. The volume of such a battery turns out
to be 5.65 cm3. Now, even though the new battery should be smaller than the conventional one, does it mean that the
nominal voltage changes? Comparing different sizes of one specific type of batteries with their nominal voltages would
be the answer to the question.
Table 2: Battery volume/voltage comparison

Nominal Voltage
Diameter (mm) Height (mm) Volume (cm3)
(V)
AAAA 8.3 42.5 2.3 1.5
AAA 10.5 44.5 3.85 1.5
AA 13.5-14.5 49.2-50.5 7-8.3 1.5
C 26.2 50 27 1.5
D 33.2 61.5 53.2 1.5

From Table 2, it is obvious that volume change does not impact nominal voltage. However, in reality, volume change
does have an impact on the nominal voltage. The latter is kept the same only because of the fact that what is inside the
battery is subject to change as well. Indeed, when volume is reduced, chemicals are concentrated in order to produce the
same nominal voltage [15].
So, for a battery almost half as big as the conventional one, with a degree of freedom in the calculations (radius and
thickness to be specified) the new dimensionscould be determined as follow:

(7)

and

(8)
where r, w, and V are radius, width, and Volume of the battery.
The width cant be reduced too much in order not to have to concentrate the chemicals inside the battery, which would
affect the cost. Thus, two thirds of the original width would be enough.
(9)
Now that the new dimensions are set, the volume ratio can be calculated:

(10)
This means that the new battery is almost half as voluminous and one-third thinner shown in Fig. 5.

(a) Top View

Electrodes

Electrodes

(c) 3D View

(b) Front View

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Figure 5Design of the new battery on Solidworks (a and b views are real size)

5. CHARGING RESULTS

The power source is set at a frequency of 200 kHz while having a battery voltage at 80 % of its maximum (2.4 V out of
3 V). The resulting charging process is illustrated in Fig. 6.

Figure 6 Wireless charging pattern of the pacemakers

It takes about 40 min to completely charge the battery starting from an initial voltage of 80 % the nominal one. With a
distance of 5 mm from the receiver coil to the titanium alloy case, and a distance of 15 mm from the transmitter coil to
the case, the total distance separating the coils is 20 mm. It is important to mention that an input voltage of 20V 5V
results in the same curve form with a slight change in the time required to reach full capacity.

6. COST ANALYSIS

In the system design, there is a list of resistors, capacitors, one battery, 2 PCB coils, wires and one schottky diode. To
be able to achieve and design an effective wireless charger for pacemakers, it is necessary to optimize the cost of the
system and this is going to be done through selecting the most efficient devices and at the same time the most
affordable by biomedical laboratories. The prices and technical specifications of all the components are detailed in
Table 3.
Table 3: Total Cost of the Wireless Charging Solution.

Price in US
The Component and Reference Technical Specification
Dollars
Cap Aluminum 10uF (5 X 11mm)
2 Capacitors of 10 F Panasonic
Radial Aluminum Cylindrical Can 2mm $ 0.170*2
ECA1HM100
65mA 2000 hr 85C Bulk
Wireless Charging Receiving Coil Shielded
PCB coils 10.7 H
Wirewound 10.7uH 5 % 200KHz Powdered $ 3.39*2
IWAS3827ECEB100J50
Iron RDL Bulk

1 Schottky diode Taiwan Semiconductor 75ns, 1A, 800V, High Efficient Recovery
$ 0.130
HER107 Rectifier

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2 Resistors NTE Electronics HW410 100K OHM $ 1.27 *2

24MHz Dual-Channel Arbitrary Waveform
FY3224S Function Signal Generator $ 67.99
DDS
Total Cost $ 77.78

Notice that the battery was not included in the cost analysis, as it is already part of the pacemaker and is not a
component that has to be bought. The battery is indeed subject to change, without affecting the wireless charging
solutions cost.

7. CONCLUSION

This paper investigated and succeeded in developing a wireless charging solution for artificial cardiac pacemakers. The
pacemaker has been changed in two ways: Reduction in volume through the use of new battery, and the addition of a
receiver circuit inside to recharge the battery when needed. The new battery is about half as big as the conventional
one, and the charging distance is 2 centimeters. The optimal time to recharge the battery is when it is at 80 % of its
capacity and takes around 40 minutes. Cost analysis has shown that this solution would total $77.78. It is indeed a
relatively cheap solution that can be easily implemented in future pacemakers in order to increase customers
satisfaction on different levels.
References
[1] A. Hodgekiss, "Pacemaker safety alert", Mail Online, 2016. URL: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-
3431734/Pacemaker-safety-alert-Thousands-patients-risk-infection-battery-life-isn-t-long-enough.html
[2] Q. Ahmed, T. Chandel, S. Ahmad, Wireless Power Transmission to Charge Pacemaker Battery, National
Conference on "Challenges Opportunities for Technological Innovation in India, India, 2015.
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topics/topics/pace/howdoes
[4] X. Lu, P. Wang, D. Niyato, D. I. Kim and Z. Han, "Wireless Charging Technologies: Fundamentals, Standards, and
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[5] R. Fogoros. (2017). What Is a Pacemaker and How Does It Work? URL: https://www.verywell.com/pacemakers-
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[6] K. Peng, X. Liu and P. Huang, "Study on the Wireless Energy Supply System in the Implantable Cardiac
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[7] G. Yilmaz and C. Dehollain, "An efficient wireless power link for implanted biomedical devices via resonant
inductive coupling," 2012 IEEE Radio and Wireless Symposium, Santa Clara, CA, 2012, pp. 235-238.doi:
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[8] A. Kurs, A. Karalis, R. Moffatt, J. Joannopoulos, P. Fisher & M. Soljacic. (2007). Wireless Power Transfer via
Strongly Coupled Magnetic Resonances. URL: http://www2.lns.mit.edu/fisherp/83.pdf
[9] Q. Xiong. (2015). Wireless Charging Device for Artificial Cardiac Pacemaker (1st ed.). International
Conference on Information Technology and Management Innovation, pp 765-768, 2015.
[10] Coil32.net. Coils Used for Wireless Charging. 2014. URL: http://coil32.net/pcb-coil.html
[11] P. Editors, "Pacemaker is Uncomfortable | The Saturday Evening Post", Saturdayeveningpost.com, 2009. URL:
http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2009/10/22/health-and-family/medical-update/heart-health-heart-
disease/bothersome-pacemaker-position.html
[12] F. Wen and X. Huang, "Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from Parallel Wireless Power Transfer
Systems", 2016. URL: http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/2/157/htm
[13] V. S. Mallela, V. Ilankumaran, & N. S. Rao. (2004). Trends in Cardiac Pacemaker Batteries URL:
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[14] Mayo Clinic. Results - Mayo Clinic. 2017. URL: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-
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1HM&view=matrix&start=0&specs.capacitance.value=9.999999999999999e-06.

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[16] eBay. Signal Generator eBay. URL: http://www.ebay.com/bhp/signal-generator

AUTHORS
Idriss Charai is a General Engineering student at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI), Ifrane,
Morocco. He was part of an exchange program at Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria. He is
president of the Ultimate Frisbee Club, and was vice-president of the Japanese Circle. His research interests
include Renewable Energies and Mechatronics.

Houda Bougrine is a General Engineering student at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI), Ifrane,
Morocco. She participated in an exchange program at Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana,
USA. She is a former international Mathematics tutor at the Center for Learning Excellence. Her research
interests include Mechatronics and Renewable Energies.

Yassine Salih Alj received the Bachelors degree in microelectronics from the University of Quebec at
Montreal (UQAM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 2001, and the Masters degree in electrical engineering
from the cole de Technologie Suprieure (ETS), Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 2003, and the Ph.D.
degree in Telecommunications from the National Institute of Scientific Research Energy, Materials &
Telecommunications (INRS-Telecom), Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 2008. He served as a research
assistant at the Telebec Underground Communications Research Laboratory (LRTCS) from 2005 to 2008, and then
during 2009 as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Poly-Grames Research Center, of the cole Polytechnique de Montral,
Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is currently working as a permanent faculty member at the School of Science and
Engineering (SSE) of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI), Morocco. He has published over 40 publications and
has been actively involved in IEEE events for the past five years, where he chaired and served as Technical Program
Member or as distinguished reviewer for over 100 conferences. His research interests are in the areas of Wireless
Communications, Indoor Positioning, UWB (Ultra-Wideband), Digital System Implementation, GPS (Global
Positioning System) and Engineering Education.

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