Embedded System Design of Low-Power Wearable Bioelectronic Devices

The miniaturization of electronics in modern times has enabled the possibility of creating a “continuity of care” using small wearable bioelectronic devices. Using wearable devices, such as the Fitbit or Garmin fitness trackers, allows for the exchange of data between devices which can be used to improve the accuracy of data analysis and thus patient health. In this thesis work, three wearable bioelectronic devices are proposed: an EOG-based eye-gaze tracking assistive technology device for the physically disabled to control a computer cursor, a battery-operated miniaturized polysomnograph that can store and transmit data wirelessly to sleep technicians and a trauma-detecting personal locator beacon. The first two system designs are outlined and simulated, followed by the testing of a prototype while the third system is a proposed design that will be reduced to practice at a later date. With continued development needed in the signal processing algorithms, the eye-gaze tracking computer mouse demonstrated capability and repeatable results. The wearable sleep sensor system also demonstrated capability and provided data with high signal-to-noise ratios on most channels before any filtering, allowing for comparable signal quality to conventional polysomnography devices