Zarlink introduces wireless chip for in-body communication

Zarlink Semiconductor has just unveiled a wireless chip designed to work with implantable medical devices, relaying data to a doctor or hospital via a base station.  The ultra low-power RF technology used in Zarlink's chip allows for high-speed 500 kb/s data transmission over a two-meter range.  One major application for the chip is to work in tandem with a pacemaker, monitoring the patient's health and performance of their pacemaker, continuosly sending the data straight to their doctor's office.  If a problem's found, the doctor could tweak the pacemaker from the hospital using a two-way wireless link, with no need for surgery.

[Thanks, Mike]