Abstract: An access system for controlling access of a user to one of several unique operative modes of an electronic device used to communicate with an implantable medical device. The access system includes a portable keycard, which is held by a user. The keycard has embedded magnets arranged in a unique predetermined pattern. The electronic device has a housing that provides a slot and a channel for receiving the keycard by the user. A sensing circuit and a processing circuit are both provided. The sensing circuit includes Hall-effect transducers positioned next to the channel so that upon inserted of the keycard, certain ones of these Hall-effect transducers will reside adjacent a magnet, depending on the particular unique pattern. A magnet positioned adjacent a Hall-effect transducer will cause the transducer to send an output signal to the processor indicating the presence of a magnet at the location of the Hall-effect transducer.

Abstract: An access system for controlling access of a user to one of several unique operative modes of an electronic device used to communicate with an implantable medical device. The access system includes a portable keycard, which is held by a user. The keycard has embedded magnets arranged in a unique predetermined pattern. The electronic device has a housing that provides a slot and a channel for receiving the keycard by the user. A sensing circuit and a processing circuit are both provided. The sensing circuit includes Hall-effect transducers positioned next to the channel so that upon inserted of the keycard, certain ones of these Hall-effect transducers will reside adjacent a magnet, depending on the particular unique pattern. A magnet positioned adjacent a Hall-effect transducer will cause the transducer to send an output signal to the processor indicating the presence of a magnet at the location of the Hall-effect transducer.

Abstract: A dual band antenna system that combines into a single integrated device an H-field shielded loop antenna and an E-field antenna. The system includes an unshielded section bounded on each end by first and second shielded sections, respectively. Input frequency filters are electrically connected to the first shielded section to selectively pass one of a first radio frequency signal or a second radio frequency signal through the first shielded section. Output frequency filters electrically connected to the unshielded section for switching between two paths of transmission and associated modes of operation: (i) a first mode (operating as an H-field antenna) in which an H-field transmission pattern is generated in the first and second shielded sections; and (ii) a second mode (operating as an E-field antenna) wherein an E-field is radiated via the E-field antenna.