Texas Instruments unveils fully integrated analog front end for ECG and EEG applications

DALLAS, March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today introduced the first in a family of fully integrated analog front ends (AFEs) for portable and high-end electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment, as well as patient monitoring and consumer medical applications. The eight-channel, 24-bit ADS1298 reduces component count and power consumption by up to 95 percent as compared to discrete implementations, with a power efficiency of 1 mW/channel, while allowing customers to achieve the highest levels of diagnostic accuracy [view video]. For information or samples visit www.ti.com/ads1298-pr.

"Until now, high power consumption and bulky designs limited the portability of ECG and EEG equipment," said Art George, senior vice president of TI's High-Performance Analog business unit. "With the ADS1298's low power consumption and high integration, manufacturers can develop equipment that is portable, compact and affordable. This will make it easier for doctors to monitor vital parameters over the long term for more accurate clinical data, while increasing patient comfort with devices that can easily be carried, concealed or worn."

Key features and benefits of the ADS1298

• Simplifies design and saves board space, using up to 95 percent fewer components, by integrating all common features required for ECG and EEG front ends, including the following:
  • eight low-noise programmable gain amplifiers (PGAs).
  • eight high-resolution, simultaneous sampling analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).
  • integrated amplifier for right-leg drive.
  • integrated amplifiers for Wilson Center Terminal (WCT) and Goldberger Terminals (GCT).
  • digital pace detection capability.
  • continuous lead-off detection.
  • onboard oscillator and reference for smaller footprint and low-power applications.
• Power consumption of 1 mW/channel results in up to 95 percent less power use than discrete implementations, increasing equipment portability and improving patient mobility.
• The ADS1298's 4-uVpp (typical) input-referred noise is far superior to the limits set in IEC60601-2-27/51, for more accurate measurements in portable equipment and high channel-density, high-end ECG and EEG equipment.
• Complementing the analog front end's leading power consumption is the low-power TMS320C5505 DSP family. At less than 0.15-mW/MHz power consumption, the TMS320C5505 maximizes battery life for portable patient monitoring applications. Together with TI's full portfolio of analog signal chain and power management solutions, these devices offer customers a complete signal chain for ECG and EEG applications to speed their time to market.

Complete family with high levels of integration

Succeeding four- and six-channel versions offer designers a migration path to varying resolutions and channel combinations for low-noise medical applications. Examples include patient monitoring; rest and stress ECG; fetal monitoring; hospital and public access automated external defibrillators (AEDs); and consumer medical applications, such as sports and fitness monitors.

Tools, availability and packaging

The ADS1298 is sampling today in a BGA package and is priced at $23.95 in 1,000-unit quantities. The ADS1298 EVM is also available. In addition, customers can leverage TI's ECG Medical Development Kit based on the C5505 DSP with a complete signal chain and software offering to speed time to market for low-power patient monitoring applications.

Find out more about TI's analog front ends and medical portfolio at the links below:

• Order ADS1298 samples and EVMs at www.ti.com/ads1298-pr.
• Explore TI's full portfolio for ECG applications: www.ti.com/ecg-pr.
• Download TI's Medical Applications Guide for Patient Monitoring, Diagnostics and Therapy: www.ti.com/diagnostic-pr.
• Learn more about TI's offering for patient monitoring and other medical applications at www.ti.com/patientmonitor-pr.

About medical components from Texas Instruments

TI is helping shape technology to improve the quality and accessibility of medical equipment to revolutionize healthcare in the 21st century and beyond. With its full range of analog and embedded processing products, from building blocks to complete semiconductor solutions, plus systems insight, global support infrastructure, advanced process technology and medical industry involvement, TI is helping make innovative medical electronics more flexible, affordable and accessible. TI's experience in diverse markets, such as wireless communications, consumer electronics, automotive and aerospace, enables engineers to meet increasing needs for higher speeds, higher precision, lower power and smaller equipment, while maintaining the high standards for quality and reliability that the medical market demands. For more information, please visit http://www.ti.com/medical.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 30 countries.  For more information, go to www.ti.com

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