Analog Devices intros integrated analog front-end subsystem for diagnostic-quality ECG apps

BANGALORE, INDIA: 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. has introduced the first product in a series of fully integrated AFE (analog front-end) chips that enable ECG systems to achieve monitor- and diagnostic-quality performance.

The device also incorporates pacemaker pulse detection and respiration measurement, which are critical, features of any high-performance ECG system. The performance of the new ECG AFE will be demonstrated during DesignMED West, February 8-10, 2011, in Anaheim, California.

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.

“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.”

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."