Hardware in the Loop Implementation of the Oscillator-based Heart Model: A Framework for Testing Medical Devices

Abstract

The hardware in the loop technologies allow to simulate physical models in combination with real devices in order to validate the behavior of the latter under different conditions, not easily reproducible in the real world. They are widely used in various industrial applications. In this work we want to extend the methodology to medical devices. These must interact with the patient to obtain the desired clinical result, however, during the development and validation phase of medical devices, the patient cannot be involved in the testing process. In this article the hardware in the loop methodology is proposed starting from a mathematical model of the heart, based on oscillators, that can be used to validate pacemakers or other medical devices.

Dynamical investigation and FPGA implementation of a new Heartbeat model based on the Barrio-Varea-Aragon-Maini oscillator

“…For example; in [43] authors used the STM32 microcontroller to implement a small network of two neurons; in the same way, they used a digital signal processor for the implementation of a 4D hyperchaotic Lorenz system [48]. In [49], the heart rhythm model proposed in [41] was implemented on a PIC18F4550 microcontroller; in [50], the heart rhythm model proposed in [19] was implemented using H.I.L(Hardware In the Loop). Arduino technology was used in [51] to implement two coupled Izhikevich neuron models.…”

Emulator of a Boost Converter for Educational Purposes

“…Beyond that, different electrical and non-electrical systems are emulated on which a control action is validated through the HIL concept [16]. Therefore, it can be configured to emulate electronic systems designed for medical applications [17], mechatronics [18], smart grids [19,20], or, more specifically, power converters [11,21,22].…”