MODEL IDENTIFICATION / PARAMETER UPLOAD
When OEMs incorporate rugged portable memory devices into their medical equipment designs, the portable memory can be used for various functions. We have already discussed how a memory token that is tethered to a disposable attachment could be used to validate or authenticate the attachment, ensuring it is not a counterfeit. We also discussed how the memory token could keep track of the number of uses or how long a disposable attachment had been used for, thereby limiting the use of the attachment to its prescribed amount. Another function that a rugged memory token can perform is to automatically identify the particular model of the attachment and automatically upload any parameters associated with that model.
 As we have been discussing, many medical devices consist of a base controller unit (which is controlled by a microcontroller or microprocessor) and attachments (that may be disposable) that connect to the base controller unit.
Problem: There may be many different models of attachments, each with its own parameters and characteristics, that can connect to a single port on a base controller. How can the base controller automatically identify which model is attached and configure itself accordingly?
Solution: Incorporate a rugged memory token into the design of the attachment and a high cycle-life receptacle into the design of the base controller unit.
Details: When a piece of medical equipment can use or accept multiple different accessories / attachments, it is likely that the controller needs to know which particular device is attached. Various forms of manual selection could be used, such as selector switches, knobs, etc., but best design practices would dictate that automatic identification would be the preferred solution to eliminate the possibility of operator error (manually selecting the wrong model).
When the attachment utilizes a memory device, such as Datakey Electronics SlimLine™ Memory Tokens, the model information and any parameters that are unique to that particular model can be stored on the memory device (see diagram above). Storing the model-specific parameters on the attachment's memory device would not be a requirement, however. The base controller could have the parameters for all available attachments stored in its own internal non-volatile memory and look up the parameters based on the model number read from the attachment's memory device. There is one major drawback to this method, however, and that is that new models of attachments could not be supported without first updating the firmware of the base controller. That is because when a new model is introduced, the parameters for it will not be pre-loaded into the base controller's onboard memory. Always having the parameters stored to the attachment's memory device allows new models of attachments to be introduced without first having to update the firmware of the base controller. It also allows for corrections or updates to the parameters to be implemented much more easily. When the parameters are stored on the attachment's memory device, corrections and updates can be made at anytime without affecting the firmware of the base controller unit.
 Implementing a proven, rugged portable memory system such as Datakey Electronics' SlimLine™ Memory Tokens and SlimLine™ Receptacles allows OEMs of medical equipment to easily add automatic identification (Auto ID) to their design. Datakey Electronics' proven solution greatly reduces development costs, minimizes risk and speeds time-to-market. Datakey Electronics' portable memory systems also deliver long-term availability, ensuring that both the memory tokens and the receptacles will be available for years to come.
For more information on this application or assistance in selecting which memory device and mating receptacle are best for your application, please contact the factory by email or phone at 1-800-328-8828.
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