Multi-Layer Miniature Antenna For Implantable Medical Devices and Method for Forming the Same
First Claim
1. An antenna for an implantable medical device (“
- IMD”
), comprising;
a structure derived from a plurality of discrete dielectric layers; and
an antenna conductor embedded within the structure within the plurality of dielectric layers,wherein the structure is derived from a plurality of the dielectric layers being formed over the antenna conductor as superstrates that include gradually changing dielectric values as the dielectric layers move away from the antenna conductor to provide a matching gradient between the antenna conductor and an environment surrounding the antenna.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An antenna for an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided including a monolithic structure derived from a plurality of discrete dielectric layers having an antenna embedded within the monolithic structure. Superstrate dielectric layers formed above the antenna may provide improved matching gradient with the surrounding environment to mitigate energy reflection effects. A outermost biocompatible layer is positioned over the superstrates as an interface with the surrounding environment. A shielding layer is positioned under the antenna to provide electromagnetic shielding for the IMD circuitry. Substrate dielectric layers formed below the antenna may possess higher dielectric values to allow the distance between the antenna and ground shielding layer to be minimized. An electromagnetic bandgap layer may be positioned between the antenna and the shielding layer. The dielectric layers may comprise layers of ceramic material that can be co-fired together with the antenna to form a hermetically sealed monolithic antenna structure.
143 Citations
29 Claims
-
1. An antenna for an implantable medical device (“
- IMD”
), comprising;a structure derived from a plurality of discrete dielectric layers; and an antenna conductor embedded within the structure within the plurality of dielectric layers, wherein the structure is derived from a plurality of the dielectric layers being formed over the antenna conductor as superstrates that include gradually changing dielectric values as the dielectric layers move away from the antenna conductor to provide a matching gradient between the antenna conductor and an environment surrounding the antenna. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
- IMD”
-
15. A method for fabricating an antenna for an implantable medical device (“
- IMD”
), comprising;depositing a biocompatible conductive material over a dielectric layer; depositing a plurality of discrete dielectric layers over the biocompatible conductive material, wherein the dielectric layers are formed over the biocompatible conductive material as superstrates that include gradually changing dielectric values as the dielectric layers move away from the biocompatible conductive material to provide a matching gradient between the antenna conductor and an environment surrounding the antenna; and co-firing the dielectric layers and biocompatible conductive material together into a monolithic structure, wherein the biocompatible conductive material resulting in the co-fired monolithic structure serves as an antenna conductor. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
- IMD”
-
26. An antenna for an implantable medical device (“
- IMD”
), comprising;an antenna conductor, and a superstrate material positioned over the antenna conductor having a gradually changing dielectric value to provide a matching gradient between the antenna conductor and an environment surrounding the antenna in a radiating direction for the antenna. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29)
- IMD”
Specification