Telemetry optimization in an implantable medical device system to achieve equal and maximal distances in bidirectional communications

Abstract

Methods for optimizing telemetry in an implantable medical device system are disclosed, with the goal of equating and maximizing the communication distances between devices in the system, such as the external controller and the Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG). The method involves computerized simulation of maximum communication distances in both directions between the two devices while varying at least two parameters of the telemetry circuitry, such as the number of turns in the telemetry coils in the two devices. This results in a simulation output comprising a matrix in which each element comprises the bidirectional distance values. An element is determined for which the distances are equal (or nearly equal) and maximized (or nearly maximized), and the optimal values for the parameters are then chosen on that basis, with the result that the communication distance in one direction equals the communication distance in the other direction, and is maximized.