Medical Device Wireless Communication Robustness Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test methods for medical devices with wireless communication capabilities inadequately evaluate their robustness against electromagnetic interferences, which is crucial for ensuring reliable communication and operation in radio frequency environments.
Innovation Solution
A test system comprising a communication tester and interference signal generators that establish a wireless communication link with the medical device and apply interfering signals to assess signal quality indicators, such as packet error rate, to evaluate the robustness of the communication link under various interference scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional high-power EMC test signals are applied to evaluate device functionality, then the testing coverage is improved, but the reliability of wireless communication under realistic interference conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of interference signals from conventional high-power EMC test signals to realistic low-power interfering signals that match actual electromagnetic environment conditions. This allows the test to evaluate wireless communication reliability under realistic interference scenarios rather than extreme test conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of interfering signal parameters including frequency, power level, and modulation type to simulate varying real-world electromagnetic environments. This dynamic testing approach better reflects actual operating conditions compared to static high-power EMC testing.
2Reliability
If realistic low-power interfering signals are used to evaluate wireless communication robustness, then the reliability assessment is improved, but the testing coverage and ability to identify critical configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts interfering signal parameters during testing, allowing evaluation across a range of power levels and frequency conditions. This enables comprehensive testing coverage while maintaining realistic signal characteristics that reflect actual electromagnetic environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system is designed to perform multiple functions: evaluating wireless communication robustness under realistic conditions, identifying critical configurations, and determining safety margins. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving both reliable assessment and comprehensive testing coverage.
3Reliability
If multiple interfering signals are applied simultaneously to simulate complex electromagnetic environments, then the reliability evaluation is improved, but the device complexity and test system configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interfering signals with different characteristics (frequency, power, modulation) into a unified test environment that simultaneously evaluates wireless communication robustness. This merging approach creates a comprehensive electromagnetic interference scenario without requiring separate tests for each signal type.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system introduces intermediary components that generate and coordinate multiple interfering signals, acting as mediators between the device under test and the complex electromagnetic environment. This intermediary layer manages the complexity of multi-signal testing while providing realistic interference conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved testing of medical devices, in particular medical devices providing wireless communication capabilities. A communication link between a medical device under test and the communication tester is established and a signal quality indicator of the established communication link is monitored while interfering the communication link by one or more interfering signals.