Biomedical Electronics

Subject description

The specifics of small-signal acquisition, including the instrumentation amplifiers, will be introduced. Topics of bioelectric signal conditioning, signal isolation, preamplifiers, sources of noise and measures to limit the impact of various sources of interference on the signals will be covered. Typical biomedical signals will be specified in terms of their origin, frequency and amplitude ranges and other characteristics. Instrumentation for acquisition of electrophysiological signals (ECG, EMG, EEG), electrical stimulation of excitable tissues (e.g. pacemakers, cardioverters, defibrillators) and other devices (e.g. electrosurgical device) will be presented. A significant attention will be paid to safety aspects of electromedical devices (properties and safety measures in design and use of these devices, labeling and testing of medical devices and safety standards) and certification of medical devices

The subject is taught in programs

Objectives and competences

To learn about specific electronic circuits and elements typically encountered in medical instruments used in clinical and research environment. To gain practical experience from using the instruments and from building and testing a biopotential amplifier or electrical stimulator or some other device.

To build awareness of the need for safe design, operation and use of biomedical devices from the patient's and the operator's point of view. To gain elementary knowledge about standards and measures needed to protect against electrical hazards in medical environment.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, individual practical lab assignments, one major project assignment (planning, designing, building and evaluation of a biopotential amplifier or some other device to acquire a specific biomedical signal), self

study. This course should be taken together with the course Measurements and Sensors in Biomedicine (both courses run in parallel and share some of the lab work and the project).

Expected study results

After successful completion of the course, students shoud be able to:

Describe the purpose and function of electronic medical devices typical for clinical or research environment.
Explain the function of specific electric circuits commonly encountered in measurement, diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments.
Explain physiological background of effects of electric currents on humans.
Explain various aspects related to electrical hazards and safety assurance requirements for use of electrical medical devices.
Use selected biomedical devices in practical application.
Build a bioamplifier (or some other medical device) for safe acquisition of an electrophysiological signal.
Quantify the performance of electrical medical device.
Design a simple electrical medical device for measurement of selected physical quantity.
Build and test a simple electrical medical device.

Basic sources and literature

J. G. Webster, A. J. Nimunkar (editors): Medical Instrumentation Application and Design (5th edition). Wiley, 2020.
D. Prutchi, M. Norris: Design and Development of Medical Electronic Instrumentation: A Practical Perspective of the Design, Construction, and Test of Medical Devices. Wiley, 2004
N. Leitgeb: Safety of electromedical devices. Springer, 2010.
J.D. Bronzino, D.R. Peterson (editors): The biomedical engineering handbook (4th ed.). CRC Press, 2014.
A. Kralj (editor): Osnove medicinske elektrotehnike. Dopisna delavska univerza Univerzum, Ljubljana, 1983.
A. Šantić: Biomedicinska elektronika, Školska knjiga Zagreb, 1994.