Ultra-low-power semiconductors for wireless vital signs early warning systems
Most patients in hospital have measurements of their ‘vital signs’ taken and recorded only intermittently, thus deterioration can occur to a point of serious consequence before it is recognised. New technologies are being developed which allow increased surveillance of patients' status without the inconvenience of being physically attached to immobile monitoring systems, and thus allowing patients to move around their rooms and floor areas. The implementation of a small, low-cost, ultra-low-power and disposable vital signs monitor is described, made possible by the development of a semiconductor SoC – Sensium – which implements all of the required electronic functionality in a few square millimetres of silicon.
