Celtro – Making Medical Implants Battery-Free

The average battery in a pacemaker occupies approximately 60 to 80% of its space. Not only does this limit the pacemaker’s placement in the heart, but it also limits its lifespan, leading to secondary replacement surgeries as well as additional costs and health risks.

German medical technology company Celtro wants to remove the battery from the system altogether. By combining medtech and semiconductors, Celtro technology collects electrical energy from the human body’s biological cells. These advancements in semiconductor technology allow the harvesting and dispensing of energy at the nanowatt level.

To make this possible, Celtro has been developing its digital IP core using Cadence tools. During the design process, simulations for the chip are run using the Spectre Simulation Platform and Xcelium Logic Simulator. The Genus Synthesis Solution is used to synthesize the design, the Innovus Implementation System is used to generate the layout, and the timing signoff is done with the Tempus Timing Solution.

Since all Cadence tools are compatible with each other and the formats are standardized, it’s easy for Celtro to transfer data between all the solutions. Gerd Teepe, co-founder and CEO of Celtro, said, “We have been partnering with Cadence since the beginning, and Cadence has been a fantastic partner to us, providing tools and support…We have a very good start with Cadence on this test chip, and we are looking forward to continuing the relationship.”

Learn more about how Celtro is making medical implants battery-free using Cadence tools.

“Designed with Cadence” is a series of videos that showcases creative products and technologies that are accelerating industry innovation using Cadence tools and solutions. For more Designed with Cadence videos, check out the Cadence website and YouTube channel.