Content

This course attempts to discuss all aspects that are important for instrumentation in a biomedical environment.
An important part goes to signal caption (sensors). First order signal processing will be discussed, and methods to measure and administer (stimulation) biosignals will be discussed. Afterwards, attention goes to total systems, which can be autonomously operational within the body (e.g. a pacemaker). Aspects of implants such as packaging and biocompatibility will be dealt with. Finally, attention will go to the typical aspects of measuring in clinical circumstances: patient safety.
Introduction

• Demands for biomedical systems
• Construction of sensors: miniaturisation problem
• Micromachining techniques
• Piezoresistant pressure sensors
• Alternative principles: capacitive, resonant, piezoelectric
• Accelerometers

Temperature-, flow sensors, optical, magnetic sensors
Chemical sensors

• Principles and miniturisation
• Amperometry, conductometry
• Total analysis systems

Biopotentials, electrode pre-amplifiers, instrumentation

• Discussion of all biopotentials
• Electrode configurations
• Measuring amplifiers
• EMG monitoring

Biostimulation

• Principles and methods
• Electrodes and tissue interface problems

Implants and biotelemetry

• Magnetic power coupling
• Demands for casing and biocompatibility
• Data transition
• Example: pacemaker
• Orthopedic implants

Safety aspects

Description of learning activities

Lecture

Course material

Syllabus by the teacher

Content

In a first series of sessions, we will further look into the instrumentation circuits that are typical for biomedical measurements. In this way, the students are reminded of the importance of common mode rejection. After an arithmetical exposition, the students have to evaluate their own ECG with a practical circuit and compare the different techniques.
A second part of the exercises consists of seminars and demonstrations of research of doctoral students from the MICAS research group. In this manner, the students are brought into contact with the practical state of affairs.

Description of learning activities

Part 1: evaluating calculating exercises and practical circuits. Handling ECG. This occurs in the form of exercise sessions and lab sessions.
Part 2: acquiring insight into the latest state of instrumentation and communication. This occurs in the form of seminars and demonstrations in the laboratory.