Renesas engineers have used several open-source ventilator designs, including the Medtronic PB560, to create an easy-to-assemble, three-panel ventilator. It controls the tidal volume and gas mixture delivered to the patient while monitoring the patient's condition. The ventilator is portable and can be used with or without gas tanks. Additionally, a humidifier can be connected to the ventilator's inlet line to soothe the patient's breathing, making it more comfortable to be connected to the ventilator for extended periods.
The reference design utilizes 20 Renesas integrated circuits, consisting of microcontrollers (MCUs), power ICs, and analog ICs that address many of the electrical functions of the ventilator's signal chain. The system design implements a sensor board, a motor control board, and features Bluetooth® connectivity, enabling medical professionals to monitor multiple patients simultaneously via a tablet or other mobile device. Each board has a microcontroller (MCU) to manage its specific task while the status of the connection board is monitored. The ventilator solution also provides a system of checks and balances to facilitate regulatory approval and ensure patient safety.
