Hands-free performance has become a standard function on most desktop and residential phones as well as car kits. In this article applications engineer Dean Morgan looks at some of the technology and design challenges of hands-free communication systems, paying particular attention to how plastic enclosure design can significantly affect speakerphone performance.

This article will briefly introduces the evolution of wirelessly enabled implanted medical devices, and takes a more detailed look at the performance factors and challenges considered in the design of an ultra low-power RF communication IC intended specifically for medical applications in the 402-405 MHz band or 433 MHz ISM band.