The main electromagnetic simulation applications in the biomedical field include:
- Physiological Impact Analysis: Studying the interaction of magnetic fields, electric fields and RF radiation with biological tissues, including field penetration, induced currents and heating effects
- Virtual Prototyping: Using accurate virtual models of medical devices and the human body to predict electromagnetic behavior before physical prototyping
- Design Optimization: Optimizing the geometry and material properties of biomedical devices (e.g., sensors, implants, antennas) to achieve the required electromagnetic performance while minimizing experimental iterations
- Safety Analysis: Evaluating human exposure to electromagnetic fields, including SAR and temperature rise in biological tissues
- Certification & Compliance: Supporting regulatory approval by validating device performance against electromagnetic safety and EMC standards (e.g., FDA, CE)
Ansys electromagnetic simulation tools are widely used in biomedical applications together with the Ansys Human Body Model. The Human Body Model accurately represents human anatomy in terms of geometry and tissue-specific electrical properties, including the frequency-dependent relative permittivity and conductivity of tissues.
In biomedical electromagnetics applications and design, we provide a wide range of services, including:
- Design and development of antennas and electromagnetic sensors for implanted, on-body, and wearable biomedical applications
- Electromagnetic simulation of bioengineering effects using a full human body model, including volume current density, electric and magnetic field distributions, RF radiation, and loss mechanisms
- Simulation of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) distribution within human tissues
- Support for FDA and FCC certification processes using Ansys simulation tools for combined electromagnetic and thermal analyses
- Design of inductor-based devices for near-field wireless power transfer, data transmission, and charging systems
- Design and development of phased-array antennas for 3D microwave imaging and electromagnetic focusing systems
Here are a few examples of biomedical electromagnetic application analysis and design:
Wireless Power Transfer
Design and analysis of wireless power transfer systems for rechargeable implantable medical devices (e.g., pacemakers), enabling reliable charging without physical connectors and improving long-term usability.
Capacitive Touch Sensor
Design and simulation of capacitive sensing structures based on electric field and capacitance variations for touch and proximity detection in biomedical and wearable devices.
Heart Rate Monitor Device
Design and analysis of wireless heart rate monitoring systems operating in the 2.45 GHz band, transmitting physiological data to a mobile device, where measurements are visualized and correlated with user location using the mobile device’s GPS capabilities.
Pacemaker Antenna Design
Design and simulation of implantable antennas for pacemakers, including analysis of the communication link between the implanted device and an external receiver, accounting for tissue propagation losses and antenna detuning.
Electronic Capsule Sensor
Electromagnetic design and analysis of electronic capsule sensors equipped with cameras and RF transmitters, including end-to-end communication link analysis from inside the body to an external receiver.
SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) Analysis
Simulation and evaluation of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) distribution within human tissues in accordance with safety and regulatory limits.
Near Field Focusing
Design and simulation of near-field electromagnetic focusing systems, including coupled electromagnetic and thermal analyses to control electromagnetic energy in biological tissues.
