Smart Biomedical Instrumentation Systems

Features of Microprocessor-Based ECG Systems

Microprocessors have been used in electrocardiographs to obtain certain advanced features like the elimination of artefacts, baseline shifting, and so forth using software techniques. In this article, we look at some of the key features of microprocessor-based ECG systems as follows:

Microprocessor-based ECG machines can perform self-testing each time they are switched on. They are programmed to check lead continuity and polarity; additionally they can indicate lead fall-off or reversal. The use of digital filters considerably enhances the signal quality during recording and problems like baseline drift and excessive mains hum are thus automatically corrected. Minimizing baseline drift without distorting the signal helps in monitoring ECG of exercising or ambulatory subjects.

Features of Microprocessor-Based ECG Systems

The frequency components of ECG signals are low enough for the microprocessor to perform reliable data acquisition, processing and display.

Using microprocessors, the need for the technician to switch from one lead to another during recording process is done away with. Microprocessors have also being employed in simultaneous acquisition of multiple leads.

Stored programs in the ROM direct the operator about the entering of subject data and display error codes.

Automatic centering of the tracing can also be achieved with microprocessor-based ECG machines.  

Lastly, microprocessor-based ECG systems offer the potential for reducing the complexity of analysis algorithms by pre-processing the data.

Share
John Mulindi

John Mulindi has a background in Instrumentation, and he writes on various topics ranging from Technical, Business to Internet marketing fields. He likes reading, watching football, writing and taking on adventure walks in free time.

Recent Posts

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM)

Confocal Microscopy Technique In conventional microscopy, the specimen is usually mounted on a glass slide…

2 months ago

Principle of Working of a Demand Cardiac Pacemaker

A cardiac pacemaker is normally used to produce pulses that force the heart to beat…

2 months ago

What is Electroporation?

Electroporation is a technique that utilizes intense pulses of electricity to ‘punch’ holes in cell…

3 months ago

What is Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT)?

Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) is a technique for producing 3D images from 2D images…

3 months ago

Polarographic Clark Electrodes

Polarographic electrodes differ from the typical pH and ion specific cells in that a polarographic…

6 months ago

Scintillation Counters: Operation & Application in Medical Imaging

Scintillation counters are basically made up of the following main components: a scintillation material (crystal),…

6 months ago