Cardiac rhythm management (CRM) consists of three key areas:

• Pacing systems
• Implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs)
• Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs)

Pacing Systems

Pacing systems consist of pacemakers and programmers that are needed to monitor and correct slow heart rhythms. The following pacing system components work together to relieve symptoms of bradycardia (slow heart rate):

• Pacemaker—Implantable device that electrically stimulates the heart to pump blood. It contains an electronic circuit and a battery.
• Pacing Lead—An insulated wire that carries a tiny electrical pulse to the heart to initiate heartbeat. 
• Programmer—Monitors the pacemaker. Cyclone™ II FPGAs and MAX^® II CPLDs are ideal candidates for use in programmers (see below for more information).

Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators

ICDs are similar to pacing systems in that they continuously monitor the heart’s rhythm. Specifically, ICDs treat tachyarrhythmia (fast heart beat). If the heart beats too quickly, the ICD issues a lifesaving jolt of electricity to restore the heart’s normal rhythm and prevent sudden cardiac death. Like pacing systems, ICDs have similar components, including a defibrillator, lead, and a programmer that is ideally suited for low-power Cyclone II and MAX II devices.

Automatic External Defibrillators

AEDs are used to jump-start a heart that has failed due to heart attack or cardiac arrest. Designed so that even a layman can operate it without much difficulty, AEDs are rapidly gaining popularity. They can even be found in public places such as airports, train stations, and airplanes. Due to their low cost and high performance, Cyclone II FPGAs and MAX II CPLDs are perfect for use in AEDs.

Low-Cost Programmable Solutions for CRM Applications

Altera’s low-cost , low power Cyclone II FPGAs and MAX II CPLDs are ideal for CRM applications because they provide the most cost-effective programmable solution for data processing. Cyclone II FPGAs and MAX II CPLDs also contain system functions that complement available ASSPs, such as on-screen display (OSD) and timing display.

Altera’s Cyclone series of FPGAs offer designers unparalleled capability at the lowest cost. Designed on an advanced, highly efficient architecture, Cyclone II FPGAs feature high density and performance that easily meet the price requirements of high-volume CRM applications. For a high-performance, cost-efficient processing solution, Altera’s Nios^® II embedded processors can be implemented in a Cyclone II device.

Altera’s MAX series of CPLDs include the industry’s most successful and widely used CPLD solutions. Altera’s latest CPLDs, MAX II devices, are designed for low-cost and low-power applications. MAX 3000A devices are optimized for high-volume, cost-sensitive applications. The non-volatile and low-cost features of the MAX series make them ideal for functions such as address decoding, system timing, and system bug fixes.

Additional Solutions

• Design Software
• Training
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• Altera Megafunction Partner Program (AMPP^SM)