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A three-lead, programmable, and microcontroller-based electrocardiogram generator with frequency domain
Ying-Chieh Wei1, Ying-Yu Wei, Kai-Hsiung Chang
1Department of Electrical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|May 8, 2012
Summary
This study developed a programmable electrocardiogram (ECG) generator simulating heart rate variability (HRV) for testing ECG algorithms and equipment. The system offers adjustable parameters for ECG morphology and HRV frequency components.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Development
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) algorithms require rigorous testing and calibration.
- Existing ECG simulators may lack comprehensive control over signal morphology and heart rate variability (HRV).
- Accurate ECG signal generation is crucial for medical device validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop a programmable ECG generator with adjustable frequency domain characteristics of HRV.
- To create a versatile tool for testing ECG algorithms and calibrating ECG equipment.
- To provide control over key ECG parameters including amplitude, heart rate, and waveform morphology.
Main Methods:
- Simplified and modified McSharry's model into a single differential equation for ECG signal generation.
- Implemented adjustable parameters for signal amplitude, heart rate, QRS-complex slopes, and P/T-wave positions.
- Developed a graphical user interface (GUI) using LABVIEW for parameter control and signal preview, with USB 2.0 data storage.
Main Results:
- The system allows independent adjustment of very low, low, and high frequency components of HRV.
- Programmable heart rate ranges from 20 to 122 BPM with HRV enabled and 20 to 139 BPM without HRV.
- Adjustable ECG signal amplitude from 0.0 to 330 mV with 0.005 mV resolution.
- Generated three distinct synthetic ECG signal types for testing and calibration purposes.
Conclusions:
- The developed programmable ECG generator effectively simulates complex ECG signals with controllable HRV characteristics.
- This system serves as a valuable tool for enhancing the efficiency of ECG algorithm testing and ensuring the accuracy of ECG equipment.
- The user-friendly GUI and adjustable parameters facilitate precise ECG signal generation for diverse research and clinical applications.
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