Patent Publication Number: US-2017347927-A1

Title: Method and System for Powering an Electronic Device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/169,750 filed Jun. 1, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,743,863, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/562,630 filed Dec. 5, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,380,971, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/089,348 filed Nov. 25, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,933,664, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/611,734 filed Nov. 3, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,593,109, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/396,135 filed Mar. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,620,438, entitled “Method and System for Powering an Electronic Device”, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Analyte, e.g., glucose monitoring systems including continuous and discrete monitoring systems generally include a battery powered and microprocessor controlled system which is configured to detect signals proportional to the corresponding measured glucose levels using an electrometer, and RF signals to transmit the collected data. One aspect of certain glucose monitoring systems include a transcutaneous or subcutaneous analyte sensor configuration which is, for example, partially mounted on the skin of a subject whose glucose level is to be monitored. The sensor may use a two or three-electrode (work, reference and counter electrodes) configuration driven by a controlled potential (potentiostat) analog circuit connected through a contact system. 
     The analyte sensor may be configured so that at least a portion thereof is placed under the skin of the patient so as to detect the analyte levels of the patient, and another portion of segment of the analyte sensor that is in communication with the transmitter unit. The transmitter unit is configured to transmit the analyte levels detected by the sensor over a wireless communication link such as an RF (radio frequency) communication link. To transmit signals, the transmitter unit requires a power supply such as a battery. Generally, batteries have a limited life span and require periodic replacement. More specifically, depending on the power consumption of the transmitter unit, the power supply in the transmitter unit may require frequent replacement, or the transmitter unit may require replacement (e.g, disposable power supply such as disposable battery). 
     In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have an approach to provide a power supply for a transmitter unit in a data monitoring and management system. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for providing a power supply to an analyte monitoring system, where embodiments include an inductive rechargeable power supply for a data monitoring and management system in which a high frequency magnetic field is generated to provide power supply to a rechargeable power source such as a battery of a transmitter unit in the data monitoring and management system. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a data monitoring and management system for practicing one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the transmitter of the data monitoring and management system shown in  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a magnetic field generator unit of the receiver unit configured for providing inductive power recharge in the data monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the magnetic field radiation unit of the serial resonant tank section of the receiver unit shown in  FIG. 3  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating the transmitter unit with a rechargeable battery configured for inductive recharging in the data monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a function illustration of the high frequency power transformer of the transmitter unit and the receiver unit including the magnetic field generator unit of the data monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As described in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention below, there are provided methods and system for inductively recharging a power source such as a rechargeable battery in an electronic device such as a data transmitter unit used in data monitoring and management systems such as, for example, in glucose monitoring and management systems. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a data monitoring and management system such as, for example, an analyte (e.g., glucose) monitoring system  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The subject invention is further described primarily with respect to a glucose monitoring system for convenience and such description is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that the analyte monitoring system may be configured to monitor a variety of analytes, e.g., lactate, ketones, and the like. 
     Indeed, analytes that may be monitored include, for example, acetyl choline, amylase, bilirubin, cholesterol, chorionic gonadotropin, creatine kinase (e.g., CK-MB), creatine, DNA, fructosamine, glucose, glutamine, growth hormones, hormones, ketones, lactate, peroxide, prostate-specific antigen, prothrombin, RNA, thyroid stimulating hormone, and troponin. The concentration of drugs, such as, for example, antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, vancomycin, and the like), digitoxin, digoxin, drugs of abuse, theophylline, and warfarin, may also be monitored. 
     The embodiment of glucose monitoring system  100  includes a sensor  101 , a transmitter unit  102  coupled to the sensor  101 , and a receiver unit  104  which is configured to communicate with the transmitter unit  102  via a communication link  103 . The receiver unit  104  may be further configured to transmit data to a data processing terminal  105  for evaluating the data received by the receiver unit  104 . Moreover, the data processing terminal  105  in one embodiment may be configured to receive data directly from the transmitter unit  102  via a communication link  106  which may optionally be configured for bi-directional communication. In addition, within the scope of the present invention, the receiver unit  104  may be configured to include the functions of the data processing terminal  105  such that the receiver unit  104  may be configured to receive the transmitter data as well as to perform the desired and/or necessary data processing to analyze the received data, for example. 
     Only one sensor  101 , transmitter unit  102 , receiver unit  104 , and data processing terminal  105  are shown in the embodiment of the glucose monitoring system  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the glucose monitoring system  100  may include one or more sensor  101 , transmitter unit  102 , receiver unit  104 , and data processing terminal  105 , where each receiver unit  104  is uniquely synchronized with a respective transmitter unit  102 . Moreover, within the scope of the present invention, the glucose monitoring system  100  may be a continuous monitoring system, or semi-continuous, or a discrete monitoring system. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor  101  is physically positioned in or on the body of a user whose glucose level is being monitored. The sensor  101  may be configured to continuously sample the glucose level of the user and convert the sampled glucose level into a corresponding data signal for transmission by the transmitter unit  102 . In one embodiment, the transmitter unit  102  is mounted on the sensor  101  so that both devices are positioned on the user&#39;s body. The transmitter unit  102  may perform data processing such as filtering and encoding of data signals, each of which corresponds to a sampled glucose level of the user, for transmission to the receiver unit  104  via the communication link  103 . 
     In one embodiment, the glucose monitoring system  100  is configured as a one-way RF communication path from the transmitter unit  102  to the receiver unit  104 . In such embodiment, the transmitter unit  102  transmits the sampled data signals received from the sensor  101  without acknowledgement from the receiver unit  104  that the transmitted sampled data signals have been received. For example, the transmitter unit  102  may be configured to transmit the encoded sampled data signals at a fixed rate (e.g., at one minute intervals) after the completion of the initial power on procedure. Likewise, the receiver unit  104  may be configured to detect such transmitted encoded sampled data signals at predetermined time intervals. Alternatively, the glucose monitoring system  100  may be configured with a bi-directional RF (or otherwise) communication between the transmitter unit  102  and the receiver unit  104 . 
     Additionally, in one aspect, the receiver unit  104  may include two sections. The first section is an analog interface section that is configured to communicate with the transmitter unit  102  via the communication link  103 . In one embodiment, the analog interface section may include an RF receiver and an antenna for receiving and amplifying the data signals from the transmitter unit  102 , which are thereafter, demodulated with a local oscillator and filtered through a band-pass filter. The second section of the receiver unit  104  is a data processing section which is configured to process the data signals received from the transmitter unit  102  such as by performing data decoding, error detection and correction, data clock generation, and data bit recovery. 
     In operation, the receiver unit  104  is configured to detect the presence of the transmitter unit  102  within its range based on, for example, the strength of the detected data signals received from the transmitter unit  102  or a predetermined transmitter identification information. Upon successful synchronization with the corresponding transmitter unit  102 , the receiver unit  104  is configured to begin receiving from the transmitter unit  102  data signals corresponding to the user&#39;s detected glucose level. More specifically, the receiver unit  104  in one embodiment is configured to perform synchronized time hopping with the corresponding synchronized transmitter unit  102  via the communication link  103  to obtain the user&#39;s detected glucose level. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the data processing terminal  105  may include a personal computer, a portable computer such as a laptop or a handheld device (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs)), and the like, each of which may be configured for data communication with the receiver via a wired or a wireless connection. Additionally, the data processing terminal  105  may further be connected to a data network (not shown) for storing, retrieving and updating data corresponding to the detected glucose level of the user. 
     Within the scope of the present invention, the data processing terminal  105  may include an infusion device such as an insulin infusion pump or the like, which may be configured to administer insulin to patients, and which may be configured to communicate with the receiver unit  104  for receiving, among others, the measured glucose level. Alternatively, the receiver unit  104  may be integrated with an infusion device so that the receiver unit  104  is configured to administer insulin therapy to patients, for example, for administering and modifying basal profiles, as well as for determining appropriate boluses for administration based on, among others, the detected glucose levels received from the transmitter unit  102 . 
     Additionally, the transmitter unit  102 , the receiver unit  104  and the data processing terminal  105  may each be configured for bi-directional wireless communication such that each of the transmitter unit  102 , the receiver unit  104  and the data processing terminal  105  may be configured to communicate (that is, transmit data to and receive data from) with each other via a wireless communication link. More specifically, the data processing terminal  105  may in one embodiment be configured to receive data directly from the transmitter unit  102  via the communication link  106 , where the communication link  106 , as described above, may be configured for bi-directional communication. 
     In this embodiment, the data processing terminal  105  which may include an insulin pump or the like, may be configured to receive the glucose signals from the transmitter unit  102 , and thus, incorporate the functions of the receiver unit  104  including data processing for managing the patient&#39;s insulin therapy and glucose monitoring. In one embodiment, the communication link  103  may include one or more of an RF communication protocol, an infrared communication protocol, a Bluetooth® enabled communication protocol, an 802.11x wireless communication protocol, or an equivalent wireless communication protocol which would allow secure, wireless communication of several units (for example, per HIPAA requirements) while avoiding potential data collision and interference. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the transmitter of the data monitoring and detection system shown in  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the Figure, the transmitter unit  102  in one embodiment includes one or more of the following components. The transmitter may include an analog interface  201  configured to communicate with the sensor  101  ( FIG. 1 ), a user input  202 , and a temperature detection section  203 , each of which is operatively coupled to a transmitter processor  204  such as a central processing unit (CPU). As can be seen from  FIG. 2 , there are provided four contacts, three of which are electrodes—work electrode (W)  210 , guard contact (G)  211 , reference electrode (R)  212 , and counter electrode (C)  213 , each operatively coupled to the analog interface  201  of the transmitter unit  102  for connection to the sensor  101  ( FIG. 1 ). In one embodiment, each of the work electrode (W)  210 , guard contact (G)  211 , reference electrode (R)  212 , and counter electrode (C)  213  may be made using a conductive material that is either printed or etched, for example, such as carbon which may be printed, or metal foil (e.g., gold) which may be etched. 
     Further shown in  FIG. 2  are a transmitter serial communication section  205  and an RF transmitter  206 , each of which is also operatively coupled to the transmitter processor  204 . Moreover, a power supply  207  such as a battery is also provided in the transmitter unit  102  to provide the necessary power for the transmitter unit  102 . Additionally, as can be seen from the Figure, clock  208  is provided to, among others, supply real time information to the transmitter processor  204 . 
     In one embodiment, a unidirectional input path is established from the sensor  101  ( FIG. 1 ) and/or manufacturing and testing equipment to the analog interface  201  of the transmitter unit  102 , while a unidirectional output is established from the output of the RF transmitter  206  of the transmitter unit  102  for transmission to the receiver unit  104 . In this manner, a data path is shown in  FIG. 2  between the aforementioned unidirectional input and output via a dedicated link  209  from the analog interface  201  to serial communication section  205 , thereafter to the processor  204 , and then to the RF transmitter  206 . As such, in one embodiment, via the data path described above, the transmitter unit  102  is configured to transmit to the receiver unit  104  ( FIG. 1 ), via the communication link  103  ( FIG. 1 ), processed and encoded data signals received from the sensor  101  ( FIG. 1 ). Additionally, the unidirectional communication data path between the analog interface  201  and the RF transmitter  206  discussed above allows for the configuration of the transmitter unit  102  for operation upon completion of the manufacturing process as well as for direct communication for diagnostic and testing purposes. 
     As discussed above, the transmitter processor  204  is configured to transmit control signals to the various sections of the transmitter unit  102  during the operation of the transmitter unit  102 . In one embodiment, the transmitter processor  204  also includes a memory (not shown) for storing data such as the identification information for the transmitter unit  102 , as well as the data signals received from the sensor  101 . The stored information may be retrieved and processed for transmission to the receiver unit  104  under the control of the transmitter processor  204 . Furthermore, the power supply  207  may include a commercially available battery. 
     The power supply section  207  provides power to the transmitter for a minimum amount of time, e.g., about three months of continuous operation after having been stored for a certain period of time, e.g., about eighteen months in a low-power (non-operating) mode. It is to be understood that the described three month power supply and eighteen month low-power mode are exemplary only and are in no way intended to limit the invention as the power supply may be less or more than three months and/or the low power mode may be less or more than eighteen months. In one embodiment, this may be achieved by the transmitter processor  204  operating in low power modes in the non-operating state, for example, drawing no more than approximately 1 μA of current. Indeed, in one embodiment, during the manufacturing process of the transmitter unit  102 , the transmitter unit  102  may be placed in the lower power, non-operating state (i.e., post-manufacture sleep mode). In this manner, the shelf life of the transmitter unit  102  may be significantly improved. Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 2 , while the power supply unit  207  is shown as coupled to the processor  204 , and as such, the processor  204  is configured to provide control of the power supply unit  207 , it should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, the power supply unit  207  is configured to provide the necessary power to each of the components of the transmitter unit  102  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the power supply section  207  of the transmitter unit  102  in one embodiment may include a rechargeable battery unit that may be recharged by a separate power supply recharging unit (for example, provided in the receiver unit  104  or in a mount to which the transmitter may be coupled, e.g., for on-body securement) so that the transmitter unit  102  may be powered for a longer period of usage time. Moreover, in one embodiment, the transmitter unit  102  may be configured without a battery in the power supply section  207 , in which case the transmitter unit  102  may be configured to receive power from an external power supply source (for example, a battery) as discussed in further detail below. 
     Referring yet again to  FIG. 2 , the temperature detection section  203  of the transmitter unit  102  is configured to monitor the temperature of the skin near the sensor insertion site. The temperature reading may be used to adjust the glucose readings obtained from the analog interface  201 . The RF transmitter  206  of the transmitter unit  102  may be configured for operation in the frequency band of about 315 MHz to about 470 MHz, for example, in the United States. Further, in one embodiment, the RF transmitter  206  is configured to modulate the carrier frequency by performing Frequency Shift Keying and Manchester encoding. In one embodiment, the data transmission rate is 19,200 symbols per second, with a minimum transmission range for communication with the receiver unit  104 . 
     Referring yet again to  FIG. 2 , also shown is a leak detection circuit  214  coupled to the guard contact (G)  211  and the processor  204  in the transmitter unit  102  of the data monitoring and management system  100 . The leak detection circuit  214  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to detect leakage current in the sensor  101  to determine whether the measured sensor data are corrupt or whether the measured data from the sensor  101  is accurate. 
     Additional detailed description of the continuous glucose monitoring system, its various components including the functional descriptions of the transmitter are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,752 issued Jan. 16, 2001 entitled “Analyte Monitoring Device and Methods of Use”, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/745,878 filed Dec. 26, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,811,231, entitled “Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and Methods of Use”, and elsewhere. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a magnetic field generator unit of the receiver unit (or other component) configured for providing inductive power recharge in the data monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the magnetic field generator unit  300  includes a power source such as a battery  301  configured to provide DC power to the magnetic field generator unit  300 . Also shown in  FIG. 3  is a DC to DC conversion unit  302  operatively coupled to the power source  301  and a DC to DC inversion unit  303 . The magnetic field generator unit  300  in one embodiment also includes a pulse generator unit  304  operatively coupled to a level shift unit  305  which is in turn, operatively coupled to an output driver unit  306 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the output driver unit  306  is operatively coupled to a magnetic field radiation section  307  which, as described in further detail below, may be configured to generate and radiate a magnetic field. Also shown in  FIG. 3  is an RF receiver antenna  308  which is configured to receive data from the transmitter unit  102  ( FIG. 1 ) over the communication link  103  ( FIG. 1 ). Additionally, referring still to  FIG. 3 , the RF receiver antenna  308  is operatively coupled to an antenna matching section  309  which in turn, is operatively coupled to an RF detection unit  310  which may be configured to rectify the received RF signal from the transmitter unit  102  as discussed in further detail below. In addition, the RF detection unit  310  as shown in  FIG. 3  is operatively coupled to a triggering threshold unit  311 . The triggering threshold unit  311  is also operatively coupled to an external trigger switch  312  and a timer unit  313 . In one embodiment, the timer unit  313  is operatively coupled to the power source  301  and the DC to DC conversion unit  302 , and may be configured to control power supply in the magnetic field generator unit  300  to preserve power consumption and effectively conserve the life of the power source  301 . 
     In one embodiment, the power source  301  is configured to provide direct current (DC) power supply for the magnetic field generator unit  300  that is provided in the receiver unit  104  ( FIG. 1 ) of the data monitoring and management system  100 . Alternatively, the magnetic field generator unit  300  may be incorporated into a separate unit or component and used to charge the power supply of the transmitter unit  102 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the DC to DC conversion unit  302  in one embodiment includes a step up DC to DC converter which is configured to boost the voltage level of the power source  301  to a higher positive DC voltage for the pulse generator unit  304 , the level shift unit  305 , and the output driver unit  306 . The DC to DC inversion unit  303  in one embodiment may include a step up DC to DC inverter configured to boost the positive DC voltage received from the DC to DC conversion unit  303  to a negative DC voltage to increase signal swing dynamic range between the positive and negative power supply rails for the level shift unit  305  and the output drive unit  306 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 3 , the pulse generator unit  304  in one embodiment includes a square wave generator and configured to generate square wave signals from, for example, approximately 100 KHz to approximately 1 MHz and to provide the generated square wave signals to the level shift unit  305 . The frequency range specified above may vary depending upon the specific component used and other design considerations. With the received square wave signals, the level shift unit  305  in one embodiment is configured to convert the positive square wave signals into corresponding positive and negative swing square wave signals with doubled voltage amplitude, which is provided to the output drive unit  306 . The output drive unit  306 , in turn, is configured to drive the magnetic field radiation section  307  by applying the full swing square wave signals from the level shift unit  305 . In one embodiment, as discussed in further detail below in conjunction with  FIG. 4 , the magnetic field radiation section  307  includes a serial inductor-capacitor (LC) resonance circuit that may include tuning capacitors and multilayered printed circuit board (PCB) core coil inductor. 
     Referring yet again to  FIG. 3 , the RF receiver antenna  308  in one embodiment is configured to receive the RF signals from the transmitter unit  102  (which may be associated with monitored or detected analyte levels received from the sensor  101  ( FIG. 1 )). In one embodiment, the resonance frequency of the RF receiver antenna  308  may be tuned at the same frequency of the RF carry signal from the transmitter unit  102 . The antenna matching circuit  309  is configured to receive the RF signals from the RF receiver antenna  308 , and to deliver the received energy from the RF receiver antenna  308  to the RF detection unit  310 . In one aspect, the RF detection unit  310  may be configured to use a zero bias or biased RF Schottkey barrier diode to rectify the amplitude envelope of the received RF signals from the RF receiver antenna  308 . 
     Referring yet still to  FIG. 3 , the rectified signal from the RF detection unit  310  is provided to the triggering threshold unit  311  which, in one embodiment includes a voltage comparator that compares the signal amplitude level of the rectified signal from the RF detection unit  310  and a reference voltage. Thereafter, the triggering threshold unit  311  in one embodiment is configured to switch the output of the triggering threshold unit  311  to low logical level when the signal level from the RF detection unit  310  exceeds the reference voltage. Similarly, an external trigger switch  312  may be provided which is configured to pull down the output voltage of the triggering threshold unit  311  to a low logical level when the external trigger switch  312  is activated. In one embodiment, the external trigger switch  312  is provided to allow the user to manually turn on the magnetic field generator unit  300 . 
     The triggering threshold unit  311  may be coupled to the timer unit  313  which in one embodiment includes a mono-stable timer, and may be configured to be triggered by the triggering threshold unit  311  to turn on or turn off the magnetic field generator  300  automatically and conserve the battery life of the power source  301 . More specifically, in one embodiment, the timer unit  313  may be programmed to a time period that is longer than one time interval between two received RF signals from the transmitter unit  102 , but which is shorter than two time intervals, such that the magnetic field generator unit  300  is configured to be turned on continuously when the RF signals are received by the RF receiver antenna  308 . 
     In this manner, in one embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field generator unit  300  may be configured to inductively charge the rechargeable power source of the transmitter unit  102  ( FIG. 1 ). More specifically, when the transmitter unit  102  is positioned in close proximity to the magnetic field generator unit  300  (for example, incorporated into the receiver unit  104 ), the magnetic field generator unit  300  may be configured to activate automatically or manually depending upon the transmitter unit  102  transmission status. 
     That is, in one embodiment, when the transmitter unit  102  is transmitting RF signals, these signals received by the receiver unit  104  including the magnetic field generator unit  300  will activate the magnetic field generator unit  300  as described above by the RF receiver antenna  308  providing the received RF signals to the RF detection unit  310  via the antenna matching section  309 . The rectified amplitude envelope signals from the RF detection unit  310  is then configured to pull down the output voltage of the triggering threshold unit  311  to a low logical level. The low logical level starts the mono stable timer unit  313 , which turns on the DC to DC conversion unit  302  for the pulse generator unit  304 , the level shift unit  305 , and the output drive unit  306  to generate the magnetic field which is then used to inductively recharge the power source in the transmitter unit  102 . 
     In this manner, the RF signal transmission from the transmitter unit  102  in one embodiment is configured to maintain the magnetic field generator unit  300  to continuously generate the magnetic field, or alternatively, the trigger switch  312  may be activated to manually trigger the magnetic field generator unit  300  to continuously generate the magnetic field to inductively recharge the power supply of the transmitter unit  102 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the magnetic field radiation section  307  shown in  FIG. 3  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the magnetic field radiation section  307  of  FIG. 3  in one embodiment includes a flexible ferrite layer  410  having disposed thereon an adhesive layer  420  on which, there is provided multilayered PCB core coil inductor  430 . In this manner, when the magnetic field generator unit  300  ( FIG. 3 ) is activated, the magnetic field  440  is generated as shown by the directional arrows in  FIG. 4 . The flexible ferrite layer  410  increases the permeability of the PCB core coil inductor  430  by confining the bottom magnetic field in close proximity to the magnetic field radiation section  307 . For a given coil inductor, the inductance is proportional to the permeability of the core material. Furthermore, since Q factor of the inductor is proportional to inductance of the inductor, in one embodiment, the Q factor and inductance of the multilayered PCB core coil inductor  430  are increased by the presence of the flexible ferrite layer  410 . Moreover, the resonance voltage and current developed on the multilayered PCB core coil inductor  430  is proportional to the Q factor. The magnetic field is, therefore, enhanced. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating the transmitter unit with a rechargeable battery configured for inductive recharging in the data monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the transmitter unit  102  with inductive power recharge capability includes an antenna  501  which in one embodiment includes a parallel resonant loop antenna configured to resonate at the same frequency as the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator unit  300  ( FIG. 3 ). The generated magnetic field  440  ( FIG. 4 ) induces a current flow in the antenna  501  of the transmitter unit  102  when the transmitter unit  102  is positioned in close proximity to the magnetic field generator unit  300  (for example, when the transmitter unit  102  is placed on top of the magnetic field generator unit  300 ). The induced current flow then builds up AC voltage across the two ends of the loop antenna  501 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5 , also shown is a rectifier unit  502  which, in one embodiment includes a full bridge rectifier, and is configured to rectify the AC voltage built up in the loop antenna  501  into a corresponding DC voltage. In turn, a linear DC regulator unit  503  is provided to convert the varying DC voltage from the rectifier unit  502  into a constant voltage which is provided to a battery charging circuit  504 . The battery charging circuit  504  in one embodiment is configured to provide a constant charging current to charge a rechargeable battery  505  provided in the transmitter unit  102 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, the rechargeable battery  505  may be configured to store the energy from the battery charging circuit  504  to provide the necessary power to drive the circuitry and components of the transmitter unit  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , an RF antenna  509  is coupled to an RF transmitter  507  which, under the control of a microprocessor  510  is configured to transmit RF signals that are associated with analyte levels monitored by a sensor  101  and processed by an analog front end section  508  which is configured to interface with the electrodes of the sensor  101  (FIG.  1 ). A power supply  506  is optionally provided to provide additional power to the transmitter unit  102 . 
       FIG. 6  is a function illustration of the high frequency power transformer of the transmitter unit and the receiver unit including the magnetic field generator unit of the data monitoring and management system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 6 , as can be seen, a high frequency power transformer is formed by the magnetic field radiation section  307  including the flexible ferrite layer  410  with the multilayered PCB core coil inductor  430  (for example, as similarly shown in  FIG. 4 ), and a similar flexible ferrite layer  601  with a corresponding multilayered PCB core coil inductor  602  provided in the transmitter unit  102 . The multilayered PCB core coil inductor  602  in one embodiment includes the loop antenna  501 , the rectifier unit  502 , and the linear DC regulator unit  503 . As shown, when the transmitter unit  102  is positioned in close proximity to the magnetic field generator unit  300  of the receiver unit  104 , for example, the high frequency power transformer is generated so as to inductively charge the rechargeable battery  505  of the transmitter unit  102 . 
     Moreover, referring to  FIG. 6 , the circuit board  603  is configured in one embodiment to include the electronic components associated with the transmitter unit  102 , for example, as discussed above in conjunction with  FIGS. 2 and 5 , while circuit board  604  is configured in one embodiment to include the electronic components associated with the receiver unit  104  including the magnetic field generator unit  300 . For example, in one embodiment, the circuit board  603  includes the power supply  506 , the RF transmitter  507 , the analog front end section  508 , the RF antenna  509 , and the microprocessor  510  as described above in conjunction with  FIG. 5 . 
     In the manner described above, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, there are provided method and system for inductively recharging the power supply such as a rechargeable battery of a transmitter unit  102  in the data monitoring and management system  100  using a high frequency magnetic transformer that is provided on the primary and secondary printed circuit boards  603 ,  604  respectively. Accordingly, a significant reduction in size may be achieved in the transmitter unit  102  design and configuration which may be worn on the patient&#39;s body for an extended period of time. Moreover, since the transmitter unit power supply can be recharged without exposing the internal circuitry for example, using a battery cover to periodically replace the battery therein, the transmitter unit housing may be formed as a sealed enclosure, providing water tight seal. 
     In addition, within the scope of the present invention, the magnetic field generator may be integrated into a flexible arm cuff type device such that the power supply of the transmitter unit  102  may be recharged without being removed from its operating position on the skin of the patient or user, such that the contact between the electrodes of the sensor  101  and the transmitter unit  102  analog front end section may be continuously maintained during the active life cycle of the sensor  101 . 
     Accordingly, an apparatus for providing rechargeable power for use in a data communication system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a power source section including a magnetic field generator unit configured to generate a magnetic field, and a rechargeable power section including a rechargeable power supply unit, wherein the rechargeable power supply unit is configured to be recharged when the rechargeable power section is provided in a predetermined proximity to the generated magnetic field of the power source section. 
     In one aspect, the power source section and the rechargeable power section may comprise a power transformer unit, which may include a high frequency power transformer. 
     The magnetic field generator unit may include a first coil inductor, and further, where the rechargeable power supply unit may include a second coil inductor, where also, each of the first and second coil inductors may include a plurality of PCB layers. 
     The rechargeable power section in one embodiment may include a data transmission unit, and further, wherein the power source section includes a data receiver unit, where the data transmission unit may be configured to transmit one or more signals to the data receiver unit in the rechargeable power section over a wireless communication link including an RF communication link. 
     In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to be controlled by one or more of the transmitted signals from the data transmission unit. 
     An apparatus for providing rechargeable power for use in a data communication system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes a power source section including a magnetic field generator unit configured to generate a magnetic field, a power section that is rechargeable provided in a predetermined proximity to the generated magnetic field of the power source section. 
     The power section may include a rechargeable power supply unit configured to be inductively recharged by the power source section. 
     In another aspect, a data transmitter unit may be configured to transmit one or more signals associated with an analyte level, the data transmitter unit including the power section. 
     In yet another aspect, a data receiver unit may be configured to receive one or more signals associated with an analyte level, the receiver unit including the power source section. 
     In still another aspect, a glucose monitoring system may be provided including a data transmitter unit configured to transmit one or more signals associated with an analyte level, and a data receiver unit configured to receive the one or more signals from the transmitter unit, wherein the transmitter unit includes the power section, and further, where the receiver unit including the power source section. 
     An analyte monitoring system with rechargeable power supply in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes an analyte sensor at least a portion of which is configured for subcutaneous placement under a skin layer, the sensor configured to detect an analyte level, a data transmission unit operatively coupled to the analyte sensor, the data transmission unit configured to transmit a plurality of signals including a signal associated with the detected analyte level, the data transmission unit further including a rechargeable power supply unit, and a data monitoring unit configured to receive the signal from the data transmission unit, the data monitoring unit further including a magnetic field generator unit, where the rechargeable power supply unit is configured to be recharged by the magnetic field generator unit. 
     In one aspect, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to inductively charge the rechargeable power supply unit. 
     Further, the magnetic field generator unit may include a first multilayered coil inductor, and the rechargeable power supply unit may include a second multilayered coil inductor, where a first ferrite layer may be disposed on the first multilayered coil inductor, and a second ferrite layer may be disposed on the second multilayered coil inductor. 
     Moreover, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to be controlled by one or more of the transmitted signals from the data transmission unit. 
     In another aspect, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to generate a magnetic field, and where the rechargeable power supply unit may be configured to be recharged by the magnetic field generator unit when the data transmission unit is positioned in a predetermined proximity to the magnetic field. 
     Also, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to generate a power transformer between the data transmission unit and the data monitoring unit. 
     A method of providing rechargeable power supply in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention includes generating a magnetic field, positioning a rechargeable power source within a predetermined distance from the generated magnetic field, and inductively charging the rechargeable power source. In certain embodiments, the method is a method of providing power to a transmitter of a transmitter of an analyte monitoring system. 
     In one aspect, generating the magnetic field may be triggered by the RF data transmission detection. 
     Also, the method may further include manually controlling the step of generating the magnetic field. 
     Moreover, in a further aspect, the method may also include detecting one or more analyte levels of a patient, and transmitting one or more signals associated with the detected one or more analyte levels. 
     In addition, the method may also include receiving the transmitted one or more signals, and/or monitoring an analyte level of a patient, where the analyte level includes a glucose level. 
     Various other modifications and alterations in the structure and method of operation of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the present invention and that structures and methods within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.