ADI launches clinical-grade four-vital sign AFE for remote patient monitoring devices

     Analog Devices announced the MAX86178 three-system Vital Signs Analog Front-end (AFE), which measures four vital signs in one piece, simplifying the design of wearable remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices. The monolithic AFE integrates three measurement systems (optical, ECG, and bioimpedance) to capture four common vital signs: electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), heart rate (ECG or optical PPG), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and respiratory rate (BioZ). The MAX86178 supports simultaneous timing of optical PPG and ECG to help measure derived health indicators.

     Medical device designers hope to replace office-based health monitoring systems with wireless devices that are smaller, consume less power and can be worn continuously at home or in the office, thereby reducing annual health-related spending. The MAX86178 tri-system AFE includes an optical PPG subsystem to measure heart rate and SpO2, a single-lead ECG subsystem, and a biopotential and Bioimpedance (BioZ) subsystem to measure respiratory rate, replacing previous discrete designs. The device integrates multiple functions into a 2.6mm x 2.8mm package to support small vital sign measurement devices.

     In addition, the next generation of wearable PRMS need to operate at lower power consumption to support the use of smaller batteries or extend battery life to meet more convenient charging requirements. To support ultra-low power consumption, the MAX86178 provides configurable options for each subsystem to optimize battery life for specific application scenarios.

     "By integrating three health subsystems into a single silicon device, ADI has introduced this sensor fusion product based on its DNA." "This AFE resonates with the medical community by providing new possibilities for chronic disease management, infectious disease diagnosis and remote monitoring," said Andrew Burt, executive business manager, Industrial & Healthcare, Maxim Integrated(now part of Analog Devices). The MAX86178 supports smaller wearable devices, reducing the need for patient admission, thereby improving healthcare delivery and reducing costs.