Microprocessor-Based Pacemaker Firmware Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac pacemaker systems require significant effort in digital circuit design and verification, and are highly hardware-dependent, making it difficult to expand functionality and ensure reliability.
Innovation Solution
A cardiac pacemaker system that employs a microprocessor with timers and input/output ports connected to a peripheral IC, where pacing and sensing control is managed by firmware, reducing the reliance on digital circuit design and allowing for more efficient use of internal resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital circuits perform pacemaker logic control, then pacing control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and verification effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex digital circuit logic with a microprocessor-based system that uses firmware to perform pacing control functions. The microprocessor executes software instructions to implement pacing modes (DDD, VVI, etc.), timing functions, and sensing logic, substituting hardware logic gates and state machines with a programmable computing platform. This reduces circuit complexity while maintaining full pacing control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor serves multiple functions: it performs pacing logic control, timing operations, data statistics, therapeutic function management, and communication with external programmers. By consolidating these previously separate digital circuit functions into a single programmable device, the system achieves versatility without increasing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If microprocessor cores are added to digital circuits, then sophisticated therapeutic functions are enabled, but dependence on peripheral ICs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pacing control logic from the peripheral IC and relocates it to the microprocessor. The microprocessor reads configuration parameters from the peripheral IC and executes pacing decisions independently, removing the need for the peripheral IC to contain complex pacing state machines. This extraction reduces peripheral IC dependence while enabling sophisticated therapeutic functions through firmware.
3Manufacturing precision
If ASIC design is used for pacing timing logics, then precise timing control is achieved, but design effort and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ASIC-based timing logic with a microprocessor that uses software timers and registers to achieve precise pacing timing. The microprocessor's internal clock and programmable timers provide the necessary timing precision without requiring custom ASIC design. This substitution dramatically reduces design effort and manufacturing complexity while maintaining timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses programmable timing parameters that can be dynamically adjusted via firmware updates and external programming. Unlike fixed ASIC timing logic, the microprocessor-based system allows timing intervals, pacing rates, and mode transitions to be modified after manufacturing, providing flexibility without requiring new ASIC designs for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A cardiac pacemaker system and control methods thereof are disclosed, wherein pacing logic and timing functions are enabled by a microprocessor and sensing and pulse delivery capabilities are accomplished by a peripheral IC. The microprocessor communicates with the peripheral IC via serial interfaces and electrical level signals. This allows for full use of internal resources of the modern ultra-low power microprocessor, lowering the dependence of the system on the peripheral IC and reducing the effort required for digital circuit design.