The front-end data-acquisition and data-processing subsystems acquire and process the
signals received from the transducers attached to the patient. The processed information,
consisting of real-time analog traces and associated numerical values of the monitored
parameters, are communicated to the display subsystem. Signal- and power-isolation
functions (also part of the front-end subsystem) provide a high degree of isolation
between the patient and power sources. The state of the art in the data-acquisition and
processing subsystems (Figure 98-3) is the TRAM multi-parameter module from GE
Medical Systems.
The front-end data acquisition and processing subsystems are a combination of analog
and digital electronics and firmware written in machine and high-level languages.
Significant benefits have been realized in real estate and power utilized by the hardware
due to advances in semiconductor technology and digital signal processing. Very-largescale
integration has brought about a reduction in the number of discrete functional components
and in the energy used by them for their operation. In today’s PMS architecture,
data acquisition and processing modules (largely hardware-driven in the past) are a combination
of digital signal processing components and high-level software. As a result, systems
are customizable to match the changing needs of the environment without
compromising the functionality. Functional consolidation and technology integration, in
addition to scalability, have also made the monitors smaller and modular. It is now much
easier to install smaller monitors in tight and cramped spaces in hospital-patient rooms
and nurse stations