High-Efficiency Wireless Power Transfer System Based on Low-Frequency AlScN Piezoelectric Micromechanical Ultrasonic Transducers for Implantable Medical Devices

Abstract

In recent years, implantable medical devices (IMDs) have introduced groundbreaking solutions for managing various health conditions. However, traditional implanted batteries necessitate periodic surgical replacement and tend to be relatively bulky, posing significant inconvenience to patients. To overcome these limitations, researchers have investigated various wireless power transfer (WPT) techniques, among which the ultrasonic wireless power transmission (UWPT) technique has distinct advantages. However, limited research has been conducted on ultrasonic power transfer at lower operating frequencies. Therefore, this study explores wireless power transfer using scandium-doped aluminum nitride (AlScN) piezoelectric micro-electromechanical transducers (PMUTs) in deionized (DI) water. Experimental results indicate that at an operating frequency of 14.075 kHz, the power transfer efficiency (PTE) can reach up to 2.68% under optimal load resistance conditions. Furthermore, a low-frequency UWPT system based on a AlScN PMUT has been developed, delivering a stable 3.3 V output for implantable medical devices and contributing to the advancement of a full-spectrum UWPT framework.