A review of power conversion and energy management technologies in rheumatoid arthritis diagnostic equipment

Purpose This study aims to investigate electrical energy management challenges across rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnostic devices, addressing a critical gap between large high-resolution imaging equipment and portable microsystems. The research seeks new insights into key power supply technologies, contributing to a deeper understanding of their role in enabling early RA diagnosis and long-term monitoring. Design/methodology/approach Using a comprehensive review approach from the perspective of power electronics, this study analyzes high-frequency high-voltage resonant converters for X-ray and computed tomography, and multilevel high-precision current control in magnetic resonance imaging gradient amplifiers. For miniature and implantable sensors, it explores self-powered technologies, microenergy harvesting circuits and advanced wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies, including magnetic coupling, ultrasonic WPT and simultaneous wireless information and power transfer architectures. Findings Results reveal that advanced power conversion is a core driver in modernizing RA diagnostics, indicating that tailored energy management solutions are essential across all device scales. Optimizing these energy architectures directly enhances RA diagnostic accuracy, significantly reduces device power consumption and enables continuous pathological monitoring. Originality/value This research offers a novel perspective by framing RA diagnostic equipment evolution through the lens of power electronics. It extends current understanding of medical power constraints and contributes to practical medical device design, highlighting critical areas for future research in highly integrated, self-sustaining power architectures.