CALIBRATION INFORMATION UPLOADS
Another application that is similar to the parameter upload application, discussed on the previous page, is calibration information upload. As part of the manufacturing process, some medical devices may vary from one item to the next, even among the same model. Often times there will be calibration information, unique to each item produced, that documents that item's unique characteristics.
Problem: How can the information that documents these unique characteristics "attach" themselves to the device during the manufacturing process and later be communicated error-free to the base controller unit?
Solution: Add a rugged memory token to the device and a high cycle-life receptacle to the base controller unit.
Details: The diagram above depicts the scenario where there is variability between medical devices--even devices that are all of the same model type. Each of the three attachments shown above provides the same functionality. In fact, they probably would carry the same part number, but there are slight differences between them that need to be accounted for when the product is used.
Ideally, these differences can be determined and recorded during the manufacturing process. When a portable memory device, like Datakey Electronics' SlimLine™ Memory Tokens is tethered to the medical attachment, that unique calibration information can be written to the token (likely using a Reader/Writer device), automatically. Making use of a tethered memory token allows this critical data to remain physically attached to the device from that point forward, instead of remaining on the computer, only being "tied" to the actual device "virtually" by a serial number.
One of the benefits of using Datakey Electronics' rugged memory tokens is that they can survive EtO and autoclave sterilization procedures. This means that the calibration information that was recorded earlier in the manufacturing process remains safe within the token even through multiple sterilization cycles.
Once out in the field, the sealed, sterilized package is opened and the device is hooked up to the base controller unit. The controller is programmed such that it cannot operate until the memory token is inserted into the receptacle and the calibration information is read and the controller has adjusted accordingly.
 The case study shown on the right documents a real-world example of how variations in the manufacturing of medical devices sometimes produces differences in the product that must be documented and accounted for when the device is used in the field.
If you have a similar application or have questions on how Datakey Electronics' rugged portable memory systems can be used for this or other applications, please feel free to contact us for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with one of our engineers.
Email: info@datakey.com
Phone: 1-800-328-8828
Phone: 1-952-746-4066
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