Microsemi Corporation's new RF module speeds time to market for implantable medical device designers

     Microsemi Corporation has announced the availability of the smallest radio module the company has ever produced. Measuring just 5.5mm x 4.5mm x 1.5mm, the ZL70323 is optimized for implantable medical devices such as pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators and neurostimulators. The new radio module replaces the company's ZL70321 device and works with the ZL70120 radio module for external device controllers. Both modules are based on the company's industry-leading ultra-low power (ULP) ZL70103 radio transceiver chip, which supports extremely high data rate radio frequency (RF) links for medical implantable communications applications.

     "Our radio module enables medical device companies to focus more of their research dollars and development efforts on new therapies that drive a better quality of life," said Martin McHugh, product line manager at Medco Semey, who is leading the new module. The reduction in size makes it easier for medical device companies to design smaller devices that require fewer wounds, helping patients to be comfortable and reducing the risk of infection. "Rf engineering is a highly specialized field, and our deep expertise in this field allows our customers to reduce design time and time to market while minimizing project risk."

     Rf technology is increasingly being used in a wide range of medical implant applications, including cardiac monitoring, physiological monitoring (such as insulin), pain management, and obesity treatment. Roots Analytics, a business research and consulting firm, expects the global market for neurostimulation devices to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9% from 2011 to 2017 and is likely to reach $6.5 billion by 2017.