Abstract

A software-controlled, external programmer for transcutaneously programming and receiving data from an implanted medical device providing a real-time indication of the implanted medical device RF telemetry signal strength to the user of the device programmer while automatically optimizing gain level to minimize interference in the presence of noise. The method and apparatus involves monitoring the validity of received intervals or frames uplinked from the implanted medical device to adjust the gain of the RF amplifier in a pre-determined range. When noise is detected, indicating a relatively small signal-to-noise ratio, the automatic gain control (AGC) level is decreased, effectively tracking this condition. Similarly, lack of any signal of loss of individual RF pulses causes the AGC level to be increased.