Zarlink Semiconductor launched a new application development kit that will speed the design and evaluation of wireless telemetry systems linking implanted medical devices and home monitoring and programming equipment. The ZLE70102 ADK supports full speed data test, link statistics and power monitoring of end-to-end medical communications telemetry systems enabled by the ZL70102 (Medical Implant Communication Service) radio platform. The kit enables customers to evaluate wireless performance in a range of environments and adjust algorithms to reduce overall power consumption.
The ZLE70102 ADK includes all hardware and firmware required to enable rapid evaluation, prototyping and development of end-to-end medical communications telemetry systems using the ZL70102 MICS transceiver.
In a press release, Steve Swift (News - Alert), senior vice president and general manager of Zarlink's Medical Products Group, said, "Customers are designing our wireless radio technology into approved applications, including pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators, and a widening range of new devices such as cardiac monitors and neuromodulation systems. Our new application development kit offers customers a complete hardware and software solution to speed the development of ultra low-power, highly reliable and standards compliant medical communication systems built on Zarlink's proven medical wireless expertise."
The company’s radio chip routinely transmits patient health and device performance data to a home base station. The data is then forwarded to a physician's office. During surgery to implant medical devices, the extended wireless operating range of the ZL70102 MICS radio solution allows programming equipment to be located outside the sterile operating field.
The ZL70102 MICS radio delivers advanced performance to help conserve battery life for wirelessly enabled implanted medical devices. In full operation, the ZL70102 radio chip consumes just 5 mA (milliamps) of supply current. Over a typical seven=year operating life of an implanted medical device, the ZL70102 device will consume the same amount of energy required to power a 40-watt light bulb for just 10 seconds.
Recently, Zarlink announced that the earnings for the three months ended Sept. 24 amounted to five cents a diluted share. Revenue for the quarter was $59.9 million, up $10.1 million from $49.8 million in the prior-year period.
Sujata Garud is a TMCnet freelancer with three years of writing/editing experience and two years of market research experience. As an editor she has covered the IT, electronics, banking, pharma, construction, mining and healthcare industries. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Tammy Wolf