The Internal Human Conditioning System: a multipurpose programmable biomedical system

A proposed general-purpose implantable biomedical system is described. This Internal Human Conditioning System (IHCS) is capable of measuring biomedical data of various kinds on a number of independent input channels. The number and specifications of these channels are software selectable by means of a low-power microprocessor. The system is also equipped with different programmable stimulation devices. These stimulators can deliver a programmable waveform in order to stimulate a specific muscle or to carry out an impedance measurement. The on-board eight bit microprocessor is used for communication with the outside world, by means of a serial link. The processor used is the 68HC11 from Motorola. By extensive use of the processor's 'sleep' mode and by switching off all unnecessary electronics, the amount of power consumed is drastically reduced. At present, a two-channel input chip and a programmable stimulator chip have been developed so that a complete system can be produced. For the sake of illustration, some realized and possible future applications are discussed.