Column: MCUs
enhancing convenience and safety, for both patients and providers.
Meeting the requirements A common approach to meeting these requirements in intelligent medical devices is to use 8-bit microcontroller units (MCUs). Eight-bit PIC and AVR MCUs allow the customisation of onboard hardware with minimal overhead, for better system efficiency, performance and costs. Microchip Technology is a well-known
provider of 8-bit PIC and AVR MCUs. Akin to its automotive portfolio, 8-bit MCUs provide several advantages that are specific to IoMT and wider medical applications. Te company’s wireless modules and
transceivers seamlessly connect to its 8-bit MCUs, simplifying designs and enhancing system integration, ideal for compact wearable devices. Tese solutions
also carry on-chip Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), which enhances their versatility and provides a high level of configurability. By utilising CIPs, engineers can create small packaging and efficient programs with minimal code overhead, as well as lower the cost of the bill of materials – all of which are essential for the success of wearable technology. Microchip’s 8-bit MCUs are unique
in that they do not impose any restrictions on customers who want to use their components in devices that conform to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Class I, II, or III medical device regulations. Tis flexibility allows customers to select the most suitable solution for their specific requirements. Development of Microchip 8-bit
solutions is further simplified by Microchip MPLAB PICkit 5 in-
circuit debugger/programmer. When used with the MPLAB X integrated development environment, this kit offers a user-friendly graphical interface that facilitates rapid prototyping and portable programming for Microchip products like PIC, dsPIC, AVR and SAM (Arm) MCUs.
Modern medical devices With modern wearables and health trackers like smartwatches, fitness bands, glucose monitors, rings and even smart fabrics, for the first time in history, people can continuously measure and track their vital signs, activity levels and other biometric parameters, without visiting a doctor or a hospital. Te captured data is then easily shared wirelessly via a centralised database with healthcare professionals, providing real- time insights into a patient’s condition and enabling timely interventions.
www.electronicsworld.co.uk April 2024 13
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