An accurate programmable ECG simulator

Abstract

This article reports the design and development of an ECG simulator intended for use in the testing, calibration and maintenance of electrocardiographic equipment. It generates a lead II signal having a profile that varies with heart rate in a manner which reflects the true in vivo variation. Facilities are provided for user adjustment of heart rate, signal amplitude, QRS complex up-slope, and the relative amplitudes of the P-wave and T-wave. The heart rate can be set within the range 30 - 200 beats min^-1 in steps of 1 beat min^-1. The amplitude of the QRS complex can be adjusted from 0.1 - 20 mV in 0.1 mV steps, while its up-slope can be set between 10 and 50 ms with a 1 ms resolution. The amplitude of the P-wave can be varied from 5 - 40% and that of the T-wave from 10 - 80% of the amplitude of the QRS complex with a 1% resolution.