18465111. PROTECTIVE CIRCUITRY FOR EXTERNAL SENSING APPLICATIONS simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

PROTECTIVE CIRCUITRY FOR EXTERNAL SENSING APPLICATIONS

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Priyank Dineshbhai Patel of San Jose CA (US)

Nilay D. Jani of San Jose CA (US)

PROTECTIVE CIRCUITRY FOR EXTERNAL SENSING APPLICATIONS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18465111 titled 'PROTECTIVE CIRCUITRY FOR EXTERNAL SENSING APPLICATIONS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a method to reduce galvanic corrosion in a physiological signal sensor, such as an ECG sensor. This is achieved by using a protective circuitry, specifically a switching circuit.

• The switching circuit operates in two modes: measurement mode and non-measurement mode.
• In the measurement mode, the switching circuit provides a low-impedance path from the external electrode to ground.
• In the non-measurement mode, the switching circuit provides a high-impedance path to reduce leakage currents between the external electrode and ground, thereby reducing galvanic corrosion.

Potential Applications

• Physiological signal sensors, such as ECG sensors, used in medical devices and wearable health trackers.
• Any application where galvanic corrosion of external electrodes is a concern, such as in electrochemical sensors or corrosion monitoring systems.

Problems Solved

• Galvanic corrosion of external electrodes in physiological signal sensors.
• Leakage currents between the external electrode and ground.

Benefits

• Reduced galvanic corrosion, leading to improved longevity and reliability of the physiological signal sensor.
• Reduced leakage currents, improving the accuracy and performance of the sensing system.
• Enhanced protection of the external electrode, minimizing the need for frequent replacements or maintenance.

Original Abstract Submitted

Galvanic corrosion of an external electrode of a physiological signal sensor (e.g., ECG sensor) can be reduced. In some examples, protective circuitry, such as a switching circuit, can be used to reduce galvanic corrosion. In a first mode of operation (e.g., corresponding to measurement by the physiological signal sensor), the switching circuit can provide a low-impedance path (e.g., from an external electrode to ground). In a second mode of operation (e.g., corresponding to non-measurement by the physiological sensing system), the switching circuit can provide a high-impedance path to reduce leakage currents (e.g., between the external electrode and ground), and thereby reduce galvanic corrosion.