Implantable Transmitter for Wireless Sensor Nodes

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

The fully implantable transmitter chip for wireless sensor nodes and biomedical devices. (Image: Purdue University)

An invention that uses microchip technology in implantable devices and other wearable products such as smart watches can be used to improve biomedical devices including those used to monitor people with glaucoma and heart disease.

The fully implantable radio-frequency transmitter chip for wireless sensor nodes and biomedical devices consumes the lowest amount of energy per digital bit published to date. The transmitter works in a similar fashion to communication technology in mobile phones and smart watches; however, the transmitter has an unprecedented level of miniaturization and low energy consumption that allows it to be implanted into an eye to monitor pressure for a glaucoma patient or into another part of the body to measure data related to heart functions.

The transmitter facilitates a wireless communication between the sensor node or biomedical device and a smartphone application. The user can simply operate the device through a smartphone application and receive the biophysiological data in real time. The transmitter in this case enables a 24-hour intraocular pressure monitoring for glaucoma patients.

The chip works with sensor nodes in a process similar to the way sensors in the smart cars and other Internet of Things devices connect through various communication components to achieve tasks such as autonomous driving. In addition to being low power, the transmitter works on wireless power, replacing conventional batteries, which are undesirable since they increase the device size and weight and make it uncomfortable for patients. In addition, the batteries are built of toxic material and require frequent recharging.

For more information, contact Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..