Datasheet

Thursday, 17 July 2003 MiniProject: Design Aspects Colin K McCord
EEE512J2 – Electronic Product Design Page 13 Chapter 3: Feasibility / Initial Design Approach
Clearly there are many compact portable ECG products on the market; most are easy-to-use with pleasing
shape, form, aesthetics, and styling. The key aspect to note is the price (very expensive), if a low-cost
solution is possible, there is a good change of commercial success as long as the product is technically
suitable of medical use (e.g. must comply with all the relative international standards).
3.2. Concept Designs
The first design concept shown in figure 3.2a is very simple, basically the electronic signal of the heart is
detected by electrodes, which is amplified by the differential amplifier and inputted into the micro-board. The
micro-board converts the analogue ECG signal to digital and transmits the data to the PC (via RS232, USB,
etc…) which then visually displays the ECG.
Differential
Amplifier
(ECG Amp)
Microboard
Surface
Electrodes
Figure 3.2a. Concept design 1, using a PC to display ECG.
Design concept 2 shown in figure 3.2b is also simple, basically the electronic signal of the heart is detected
by electrodes, which is amplified by the differential amplifier and inputted into the micro-board. The micro-
board converts the analogue ECG signal to digital, and generates an analogue signal to control the CRT
(use oscilloscope in XY mode). The amplified ECG signal is also send through an audio amplifier to drive a
speaker.
Differential
Amplifier
(ECG Amp)
Microboard
Speaker
Audio
Amplifier
Surface
Electrodes
Oscilloscope
Figure 3.2b. Concept design 2, using a CRT / oscilloscope to display ECG.
Design concept 3 shown in figure 3.3b is simple, basically the electronic signal of the heart is detected by
electrodes, which is amplified by the differential amplifier and inputted into the micro-board. The micro-board
converts the analogue ECG signal to digital, and generates an analogue signal to control the CRT (use
oscilloscope in XY mode). ECG data is also transmitted to the PC (via RS232, USB, etc…) which then