Design Criteria

Two minimum criteria were designated for this project:

(1). Capability to indicate when the diaphragm reached end-diastole.
(2). Minimal contact of the diaphragm.

However, additional specifications on the sponsors preferences were given:

Capabilities:

In addition to end-diastole, the point of end-systole would be useful to know. Ideally, the entire dynamic range of diaphragm displacement could be known from the sensor displacement.

Location:

Air side. External mounting on the PVAD was a favored option; however, internal mounting would also be useful.

Detection:

Detect a rate of 0-150 beats per minute. Acquire data at a frequency of 100-1000 samples per second.

Output:

Range of 0 to 5 volts.