Determining carrier frequency for implantable human body communication based on transmission efficiency–electromagnetic interference trade-off

Abstract

This study proposes a novel methodology for determining the optimal carrier frequency for implantable human body communication (HBC) by focusing on the trade-off between transmission efficiency and electromagnetic interference (EMI) robustness. Traditional radio communication technologies use high-frequency bands, which pose some challenges, such as increased power consumption, EMI with other devices, and security risks. Implantable HBC is a promising alternative, wherein the human body is used as a transmission medium. Through phantom experiments simulating the human abdomen, we assess the transmission characteristics of implantable HBC between an abdominal neurostimulator and an external controller across a frequency range of 1–100 MHz. Results revealed that maximum transmission gain was achieved at 37.2 MHz. Moreover, rapid signal attenuation occurred beyond a minimal distance from the skin, indicating enhanced communication efficiency, reduced EMI, and enhanced information security. An evaluation index (EI) was also proposed to quantitatively assess the balance between transmission efficiency and EMI and determine an appropriate carrier frequency for specific implantable HBC applications. This study advances the field of implantable medical devices by optimizing communication performance while addressing key challenges in EMI and security.