DSP turns to electronic stethoscope design

AMI Semiconductor has released a reference design and support materials for a complete DSP-based electronic stethoscope.

AMI Semiconductor has released a reference design and support materials for a complete DSP-based electronic stethoscope.

Targeted at OEMs and harnessing the power of AMI Semiconductor's BelaSigna 250 DSP-based audio processing system, the electronic stethoscope reference design (ESRD) allows for improved accuracy in assessing and classifying cardio-respiratory pathologies for medical professionals.

Electronic stethoscopes are digital devices that are ergonomically similar to traditional acoustic stethoscopes.

The AMIS electronic stethoscope reference design supports the bell, diaphragm and extended operating modes of first generation electronic stethoscopes.

Enabled by the BelaSigna 250 audio processing system, the electronic stethoscope also allows for digital recording of cardiac and pulmonary sounds into nonvolatile memory, an enhanced user-interface and minimal CPU usage along with the flexibility for OEMs to customise and even develop their own unique signal processing algorithms.

The AMIS electronic stethoscope reference design was tested and reviewed by paramedics, including Advanced Care Paramedic Paul W Boshart, who comments: "During my field assessment of the prototype, I was impressed by the ability to clearly amplify transmitted sounds with the electronic stethoscope".

"The comparison between this product and a general use stethoscope is unmistakable in its clarity and ability to magnify even faint breath sounds to a level that are audible".

"The development of this electronic stethoscope reference design represents the first of many exciting new applications of AMI Semiconductor's ultra-low-power DSP and signal processing capability in the medical market segment", said Chris King, CEO of AMIS.

"We are excited about the possibilities of this device and the opportunities we see on the horizon as we leverage the technical and market synergies in our new medical and wireless product line".

The electronic stethoscope reference design is currently available for licensing by OEMs from AMIS for a flat-fee or a per-unit royalty.

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