Low-Cost Phonocardiogram Board with Graphic LCD, Solar Panel and Embedded Heart Sound Analyser

摘要

A low-cost phonocardiogram (PCG) is proposed to overcome some limitations known with the electrocardiograms (ECG). This small size portable PCG with a graphic LCD is equipped with a mini solar panel. It computes and displays different physical characteristics needed by physicians to ease cardiac auscultations, like the numerous heart beats per minute (BPM), and the different frequencies of the heart sound presented in the form of a frequency spectrum using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Heart sounds are saved in an SD memory using the FAT32 file system. The whole apparatus includes a loud speaker to listen to the mechanical sound produced by the heart, and a USB port for the transmission of the signals to other devices. A microcontroller manages the charging cycles of the battery through a mini solar panel which gives extra energy autonomy to the user. The device is designed to be used in ultramodern environment as well as in hospitals and health centers of villages in remote poor regions without electrical energy supply.