Physiological signal processing laboratory for biomedical engineering education.

The proposed Physiological Signal Processing Laboratory incorporates important new concepts to further its utility as a vehicle for biomedical engineering educational use. The Laboratory incorporates the physical construction, testing and analysis of eight signal processing circuit modules, introduced as lessons. Each module can be characterized through measurement with a BIOPAC MP35 data acquisition system and a student-built square wave generator. The modules are combined sequentially to create a sophisticated and functional electrocardiogram (ECG) amplification and processing system. By the final lesson, the completed ECG signal processor will provide meaningful outputs from signals sourced from the student's own body. Through the application of a single, easy-to-use data acquisition system and associated software to a breadboard circuitry laboratory, students can build, test and analyze signal processing modules, verify their performance against mathematical simulation using graphical comparisons, combine modules, collect physiological signals sourced from their own bodies, and evaluate the results. By developing the complete ECG signal processor, module by module (as eight lessons), students develop an understanding of system design and development methodologies. In addition, when collecting data directly from their own bodies, students' curiosity is stimulated to create an environment more amenable to inquiry-based learning.