A High-Frequency AC Generator with High Gain Powered by 3.7 V Battery
for Tumor Treating Fields
Abstract
High-frequency AC field (100-300 kHz), which could generate tumor
treating fields (TTFields) has been FDA-approved for glioblastoma
multiforme (GBM) treatment. How to design a high-frequency AC field with
low input battery (3.7 V) power is important for outdoor stimulation
with a long treatment time.This study utilizes an LCLC step-up resonant
circuit integrated with a linear isolated transformer (LCLLC) to
generate a 200 kHz AC field using low DC input. Theoretical circuit
analysis investigated the excitation inductance’s impact on voltage gain
under capacitive bio-loads. An experimental prototype was developed
based on selected parameters, generating 200 kHz AC waveforms (66 V
output, voltage gain: 17.8) with 5.1 W input power from a 3.7 V battery,
sustaining 8.7-hour operation. Coupled insulated electrodes demonstrated
high-efficacy AC field delivery. CCK-8 assays confirmed that generator
stimulation significantly inhibited U251 glioblastoma cell
proliferation. The theoretical analysis showed that the adjustment of
excitation inductance of linear isolated transformer in LCLLC circuit
could benefit to achieve a high voltage gain with low input power. This
work developed a low-power 200 kHz AC field generator powered by 3.7 V
DC batteries, achieving high voltage gain (17.8) and significant cell
proliferation inhibition, enabling portable tumor-treating field
applications.