The latest developments in medical electronics at electronica 2012

11/08/2012

According to the ZVEI (German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association), the German health-care sector generates some 260 billion euros each year – and the market is still growing. One of the most important forces driving innovations is medical electronics. From recording and evaluating important information to new operating techniques, medical electronics has made pioneering innovations possible that benefit the patient. At electronica 2012, exhibitors will present the technical foundations for better diagnoses and more effective treatment possibilities in the future.

From laboratory power supplies to touch displays for medical applications

Energy efficiency has also become an important topic in clinics and practices. TDK-Lambda’s highlight at this year’s fair is a series of ecological power supplies. The CFE400M series complies with the EU’s eco-design directive (ErP directive for increased energy efficiency) and has a pioneering efficiency rate of 94 percent.

NLT Technologies (NLT) and Renesas Electronics Europe are introducing four new 21.3-inch monitor modules with UXGA and QXGA resolution at electronica. These new components are also distinguished by their excellent energy efficiency. Thanks to LED backlighting, they use less electricity and are 40 percent flatter than conventional models. Due to their high contrast and precise picture display, the modules are particularly suitable for applications in medical technology. For example, they can be used to display x-ray images to evaluate and diagnose symptoms.

Using the latest touchscreen technologies in conjunction with optical adhesives makes it possible to manufacture displays for medical electronics that feature optical quality and operability that, until now, was only known in the consumer-goods sector. The companies Berliner Glas and system electronics will present their new displays featuring multi-touch functions and gesture recognition at electronica. Robust fronts made entirely of glass guarantee medical hygiene.

electronica Forum features lecture series on vital-signs monitoring and ambient assisted living

The lecture series on “Medical Electronics” at the electronica Forum on November 14 will examine the topics of vital-signs monitoring and ambient assisted living (AAL). Three experts from the semiconductor industry will hold lectures about what counts when developing telemedicine-capable equipment. In his lecture titled “Vital-signs monitoring for mobile home,” Tony Zavola from Analog Devices will discuss data transmission using telemedicine equipment: He will explain how, in the future, important vital-sign measurements can be taken at home and transmitted to the hospital. Steven LaJeunesse from Maxim will hold a lecture on "Wearable Vital Sign Monitoring" in which he describes how wearable technologies will make it possible to cut healthcare costs in the future without limiting the patient’s independence or mobility. Finally, Ralf Brederlow from Texas Instruments will introduce microcontrollers that are specially designed for AAL applications such as taking blood-sugar or blood-pressure readings in the home environment.

An up-to-date program of forum events is available online.

All information about electronica 2012 is available online at www.electronica.de.