Combined magnetic antenna for localization and communication of ingestible and implantable devices

An example of such a device is an ingestible sensor. In collaboration with its sister institute OnePlanet in the Netherlands, imec is performing research in novel ingestible sensors that can measure various parameters of the gastro-intestinal tract which currently cannot easily be measured in a non-invasive way.

In addition to the need of out-of-body communication, devices such as ingestible sensors need to have knowledge of their relative position. In this case, the position within the gastrointestinal tract is of relevance since the propagation speed can vary widely, and obtained measurements together with positional data can be much more valuable than the sensor data alone. Because of this, imec has been working on a magnetic-based localization technology for ingestibles.

During this PhD research, the candidate will explore the possibilities of designing a magnetic antenna that can be used not only for out-of-body communication, but also as part of the magnetic localization system. This will enable miniature ingestible sensors that can operate within the gastrointestinal tract and perform out-of-body communication without the need to include additional sensors for the localization functionality, which could impact the size of the device. Results can be applicable to other implantable devices and in general to devices that need to communicate from within an aqueous environment.

Some of the activities to be carried out during the PhD research may include: