Author:
Reported by Cliff Keys, Editorial Director, Editor-in-Chief, Power Systems Design
Date
02/11/2011
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I attended the launch of ADI's first high-accuracy ECG AFE (analog front-end) which includes pacemaker pulse detection and respiration measurement for battery and line-powered ECG applications. This is an area of increasing importance as healthcare costs need to be contained. An ECG (ElectroCardioGram) system measures and records the electrical activity of a human heart in exceptional detail, enabling accurate analysis of numerous heart conditions, including birth defects, arrhythmias, problems with heart valves and lack of blood flow to the heart muscle. Analog Devices, Inc., a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal-processing applications and supplier to the medical equipment industry, has introduced the ADAS1000, the first product in a series of fully integrated AFE chips that enable ECG systems to achieve monitor- and diagnostic-quality performance. The device also incorporates the measurement of pacemaker pulse detection and respiration, which are critical features of any high-performance ECG system. Jan-Hein Broeders, who presented the new AFE, is responsible for managing Analog Devices' Healthcare Segment Business and Technical Applications in Europe & Israel works with healthcare customers to translate their present and future requirements into solutions based on Analog Devices' market leading converter, linear and power products as well as DSP technology.
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The ADAS1000 ECG AFE simplifies the design of a five-electrode ECG system by significantly reducing the signal chain bill of materials from up to 50 components down to the ADAS1000 single chip plus a few discrete components. The device can be configured to optimize noise performance, power, or data rate—making it suitable for home, ambulatory, and clinical ECG systems. Future products in the series will provide optimized features and functionality to support traditional and emerging ECG system applications. The ADAS1000 is effective for a wide variety of ECG systems, including diagnostic electrocardiographs, bedside patient monitoring systems, Holter monitors, and cardiac defibrillators. Download the ADAS1000 data sheet or visit www.analog.com/ADAS1000 "Improvements in ECG systems will help physicians more accurately diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting the human heart," said Susie Inouye, research director, Databeans Inc., a leading semiconductor research firm. "AFEs that provide high component integration and low power consumption, such as the ADAS1000, will make it possible for medical equipment designers to develop next-generation ECGs that are increasingly smaller and more portable."
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ADAS1000 AFE features and benefits The ADAS1000 AFE provides seamless scalability for high-lead-count systems; requires a minimum number of additional external components; and offers several digital output interface options. The ADAS1000 AFE can also support designs based on AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) specifications. "The ADAS1000 AFE, which delivers a complete ECG system in a single package, offers important ECG features such as pace detection and respiration measurement as well as multi-lead core ECG measurements and support functions, including leads-off detection and right leg drive," said Patrick O'Doherty, vice president for the Healthcare Group, Analog Devices. "The high level of integration of the ADAS1000 AFE enables designers to develop next-generation ECG systems that are more compact and easier to carry without compromising the high diagnostic accuracy needed to effectively analyze the condition of a patient's heart." Additional key features and benefits of the ADAS1000 include:
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Recommended complementary components Complementary components for the ADAS1000 AFE include the Blackfin® DSP (digital signal processor), ADuM4160 single-chip USB isolator, ADuM2401 four-channel digital isolator, ADuM6000 5- kV dc-to-dc converter, ADF7023 transceiver ; ADP150 and ADP151 linear regulators. Pricing and availability ADAS1000 samples and evaluation boards are available by contacting ecg@analog.com Unit pricing in 1k quantity is $28. Available in 10mm × 10mm, 64-lead LQFP *ADI also plans to offer the ADAS1000 in an 8mm × 8mm 56-lead LFCSP package. Making a difference for healthcare customers Analog Devices offers healthcare customers a comprehensive portfolio of linear, mixed-signal, MEMS and digital signal processing technologies for medical imaging, patient monitoring, medical instrumentation and home healthcare. Backed by leading design tools, applications support, and systems expertise, ADI's products and technologies enable differentiation in healthcare designs - helping shape the future of diagnostics and monitoring equipment, as well as health and wellness devices. ADI's healthcare offerings can be found at www.analog.com/healthcare. www.analog.com
