RF modules speed time to market for implantable medical device designers

Microsemi Corporation announces the ZL70123, a new radio frequency (RF) base station module for implantable devices utilising the Medical Implant Communication Service (MICS) RF band.

The new module was developed specifically for external controllers and monitors of implantable medical devices.

Microsemi‘s ZL70123 base station module, when combined with the company’s existing ZL70323 implant module, provides a complete solution for achieving the highest performance in next-generation medical networks (Med-Net).



Both modules are based on the latest generation of Microsemi‘s ultralow power (ULP), MICS-band, radio transceiver chip, which has been deployed in more than three million implantable devices over the last 10 years.

Radio frequency technology is increasingly being used in a wide variety of medical implantable applications, including cardiac care, physiological monitoring (eg, insulin monitoring), pain management and obesity treatments.

According to a recent report from P&S Research, the market for active implantable devices, which includes pacemakers, defibrillators and neurostimulators, is expected to grow at an eight percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years, reaching nearly $29 billion by 2023. Microsemi’s new ZL70123 base station module is ideally suited for the unique needs of this growing market.

“RF engineering is a highly specialised discipline, and leveraging Microsemi’s deep expertise in this area allows our customers to reduce design times and minimise project risk,” said Martin McHugh, Microsemi’s product line manager for implant modules. “With Microsemi’s two-module radio link, companies can now focus research dollars and development efforts on new therapies that enable a better quality of life.”

Microsemi’s Med-Net radio operates in the 402MHz to 405MHz MICS band.

Multiple ULP wake-up options are supported, including a 2.45-GHz, industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band, wake-up option.

The existing Microsemi ZL70323 implant module implements all RF-related functions needed to deploy an implant node in a MICS-band RF telemetry system. It consumes less than six milliamps (mA) when transmitting or receiving data and consumes just 10 nanoamperes (nA) when in its sleep state.

The integrated antenna tuning circuit allows the module to be used with a wide range of implant antennas (as nominal antenna impedance is 100+j150 ohms). The module includes the following major blocks:

* ZL70103-based MICS-band RF transceiver with integrated matching network, SAW filters for suppression of unwanted blockers and antenna tuning

2.45-GHz wake-up receiver matching network

* Integrated 24 MHz reference frequency crystal

* Decoupling capacitors.

The new Microsemi ZL70123 base station module includes all RF-related functions required to deploy external device functions in a MICS-band RF telemetry system.

It is designed to meet regulatory requirements including Federal Communications Commission (FCC), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Additional features include:

• Integrated matching network with a nominal 50 ohm RF port
• Bandpass filter for suppression of unwanted blockers
• 2.45GHz wake-up transmitter with a nominal 50 ohm RF port
• Fully shielded, 18 mm × 12 mm × 3 mm package.

“The ZL70123 base station module raises the bar in implant telemetry by offering more flexibility, longer range capability and smaller size than its predecessor while maintaining backward compatibility with older systems,” said Jeff Kuhn, application manager for Microsemi. “Combining the ZL70123 base station module with the ZL70323 implant module, Microsemi’s Med-Net radio solution enables deeper implants with strong communication links while preserving battery power.”