In This Issue: How to Avoid Big Errors Using Accelerometers Accelerometers can be used to measure not only acceleration but also vibration. Historically, accelerometers have [...]
Accelerometers can be used to measure not only acceleration but also vibration. Historically, accelerometers have seen widespread use in manufacturing production lines and automotive electronics. They are now widely used in portable electronic devices such as cell phones, video game controllers, and cameras. Medical devices increasingly incorporate them to add capabilities to measure motion such as the rate and depth of chest compression.
In This Issue: Calibration Verifies Accuracy in Disposable Medical Devices by Walt Maclay As published in Embedded Computing Design June 2011 FDA regulations for medical [...]
By Walt Maclay
Download CalibrationDisposableMedicalDevices.pdf (reprinted with permission from Embedded Computing Design)
FDA regulations for medical devices require manufacturers to develop and monitor production practices to ensure that the end device conforms to its specifications. A calibration program is a major part of this quality system to verify the accuracy and precision of measurements. Walt describes the techniques, tools, and equipment used to calibrate a disposable medical device.
Medical devices that rely on one or more embedded sensors not only need testing, but also sensor calibration. Digital circuits can be subject to pass/fail testing. However, sensors require precise testing or calibration to be accurate. Calibration ensures that different individual devices give the same result. Sensors needing calibration include temperature, pressure, acceleration, strain, and displacement.
For Silicon Valley hardware professionals looking to improve their competitive edge when introducing new products, our partners, The Product Realization Group (PRG) have developed a [...]
Which wireless standard makes sense for your application?
Multiple standards exist for wireless: Bluetooth, Wireless USB, Zigbee and WiFi. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, so depending on your application we would choose different technologies.
Universal serial bus (USB) is an economical and convenient connection for both industrial and commercial applications; USB continues to replace many legacy serial connections (i.e. RS-232, 485).
However, for some industrial and embedded solutions, wireless USB is becoming the choice interface for enabling connectivity to new applications. Products are moving to wireless USB to eliminate cables and to gain the convenience of always being connected.
In This Issue: Wireless USB Boasts Convenience for Industrial and Embedded Solutions Universal serial bus (USB) is an economical and convenient connection for both industrial [...]
Ultracapacitors are well suited to replace batteries in many applications. Voler Systems developed such a replacement for a company that makes RFID and wireless technology products.The battery replacement was cheaper with a longer life than a standard battery.
Ultracapacitors, also referred to as supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors, are electrochemical capacitors that have an unusually high energy density when compared to common capacitors. Conventional capacitors have enormous power but store only tiny amounts of energy. Ultracapacitors offer orders of magnitude higher energy storage. Larger ultracapacitors have capacities up to 5,000 Farads as of 2010, and 10 Farad capacitors cost only a few dollars.
In This Issue: How to Fix the Gaps in Your Medical Device Development If you are currently engaged in the development of technology based medical [...]