An accurate programmable ECG simulator

This article reports the design and development of ran ECG simulator, inten ded for use in the testing, calibration and maintenance of electrocardiogra phic 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. Faci lities are provided for user adjustment of heart rate, signal amplitude, QR S complex up-slope, and the relative amplitudes of the P-wave and T-wave. T he heart mate 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 0.1-2 0 mV in 0.1 mV steps, while its tap-slope can be set between 10 and 50 ms w ith 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 wit h a 1% resolution.