Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq: MSCC), a provider of semiconductor solutions differentiated by power, security, reliability and performance, today announced the ZL70123, a new radio frequency (RF) base station module for implantable devices utilizing the Medical Implant Communication Service (MICS) RF band. The new module was developed specifically for external controllers and monitors of implantable medical devices.

Microsemi’s ZL70123 base station module, when combined with the company’s existing ZL70323 implant module, provides a complete solution for achieving the highest performance in next-generation medical networks (Med-Net). Both modules are based on the latest generation of Microsemi’s ultralow power (ULP), MICS-band, radio transceiver chip, which has been deployed in more than three million implantable devices over the last 10 years.

Radio frequency technology is increasingly being used in a wide variety of medical implantable applications, including cardiac care, physiological monitoring (e.g., insulin monitoring), pain management and obesity treatments. According to a recent report from P&S Research, the market for active implantable devices, which includes pacemakers, defibrillators and neurostimulators, is expected to grow at an eight percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years, reaching nearly $29 billion by 2023. Microsemi’s new ZL70123 base station module is ideally suited for the unique needs of this growing market.

“RF engineering is a highly specialized discipline, and leveraging Microsemi’s deep expertise in this area allows our customers to reduce design times and minimize project risk,” said Martin McHugh, Microsemi’s product line manager for implant modules. “With Microsemi’s two-module radio link, companies can now focus research dollars and development efforts on new therapies that enable a better quality of life.”