A compensation scheme for tape-speed variation in cassette recorders

A scheme to reduce the data corruption caused by tape-speed variation in cassette recorders used for monitoring infant apnea was developed. Low-frequency timing information is recorded on the tape, under the constraints of the frequency response of the recorder, simultaneously with the other signals. This information is extracted during playback and multiplied to a frequency suitable for data sampling, using an electronic, phase-locked loop. Analog-to-digital conversion of the data is performed at a rate proportional to the tape speed, resulting in compensation for speed variation. No direct modification of the speed-control mechanism of the recorder is required. The scheme was evaluated by comparing interval measurements of recorded timing information with and without compensation. Compensation reduced the error of the measurement by nearly an order of magnitude, which was consistent with theoretical predictions. This allows analysis of clinical value to be performed on signals recorded by systems that lack sophisticated speed-control mechanisms.