Analog Devices Introduces Integrated Analog Front-End Subsystem for Diagnostic-Quality ECG Applications

- ADI’s first high-accuracy ECG AFE includes pacemaker pulse detection and respiration measurement for battery and line-powered ECG applications.

ADI Introduces Integrated AFE for ECG Applications (Photo: Business Wire)

NORWOOD, Mass.--()--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. (NYSE: ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal-processing applications and long-time supplier to the medical equipment industry, today 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. Watch a video on the features of the new ECG AFE, visit http://www.analog.com/ADAS1000_video.

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. Visit http://www.analog.com/ADAS1000 for more information or to download the datasheet.

“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.”

Additional key features and benefits of the ADAS1000 include:

  • A dc-coupled channel implementation that offers simplified input switching, increased versatility, reduced power and distinct post processing advantages;
  • Operates 5 ECG electrode measurements from as little as 19mW. Any unused channels or features can be conveniently disabled to further minimize power to as low as 11mW for one lead;
  • Low noise performance (10 µV pk-pk over 0.05 Hz to 150 Hz) to support end equipment regulatory standards;
  • Different data frame rates (2kHz, 16kHz, 128kHz) are available to ensure ultimate ease in data capture;
  • The ability to simplify overall design, eliminate many discrete components, reduce overall system size, power consumption, and development time.

A full-featured evaluation board for the ADAS1000 is available and includes the AFE, power supplies, control and interface options to ease development and manufacturing, and the ability to configure the AFE (from 5 to 12 leads) for final deployment.

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

Product         Availability        

Price
Each In
1,000

        Packaging*
ADAS1000

Samples and evaluation boards are
available by contacting
ecg@analog.com

$28

10-mm × 10-mm
64-lead LQFP

 

*ADI also plans to offer the ADAS1000 in an 8-mm × 8-mm 56-lead LFCSP package.

Other recent healthcare announcements from ADI include the AD9278 and AD9279 octal ultrasound receivers, AD5791 high-accuracy, 20-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) for MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) systems, ADAS1128 24-bit current-to-digital converter for CT (computed tomography) systems, and ADuM4160 single-chip USB isolator for system-critical medical equipment.

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.

About Analog Devices

Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating over 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “ADI” and is included in the S&P 500 Index. http://www.analog.com

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Contacts

Analog Devices, Inc.
Linda Kincaid, 781-937-1472
linda.kincaid@analog.com

Release Summary

ADI introduced the ADAS1000, which is the first product in a series of integrated AFE chips that enable ECG systems to achieve monitor- and diagnostic-quality performance.

Contacts

Analog Devices, Inc.
Linda Kincaid, 781-937-1472
linda.kincaid@analog.com