Antti Kemppainen | VTT: How can optical phantoms and artificial cardiovascular systems enhance the testing and calibration of wearable medical devices?
00:08:21 - 00:08:30
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Summary of the clip:
How can optical phantoms and artificial cardiovascular systems enhance the testing and calibration of wearable medical devices?
The speaker addresses the need for specialized testing and calibration methods for optical devices, particularly in the context of wearable medical devices. VTT has developed an optical phantom, which replicates the optical scattering properties of human body parts, specifically mimicking human skin. This allows for controlled and standardized testing of optical sensors.
In addition to optical phantoms, VTT has created an artificial cardiovascular system with microfluidics, capable of pumping a blood-like liquid. This system enables the calibration of wearable devices according to specific performance requirements. While these artificial systems do not replace testing with human subjects, they provide a feasible and controlled environment for initial device validation.
An example of this approach is the development of an SPO2 meter for the upper arm in collaboration with Polar, within the MEFA EU project. This device combines conventional electronics with printed optics and has undergone testing with volunteers, including studies involving the reduction of oxygen levels to assess performance under controlled hypoxic conditions.
In this short video, you can learn:
* The use of optical phantoms for replicating human tissue properties in device testing.
* The application of artificial cardiovascular systems for calibrating wearable sensors.
* An example of a collaborative project (MEFA EU) involving the development and testing of a wearable SPO2 meter.
š **Clip Abstract** This segment discusses the use of optical phantoms and artificial cardiovascular systems for testing and calibrating wearable medical devices, providing a controlled environment for device validation before human trials.
š Link in comments š
#OpticalPhantoms, #ArtificialCardiovascularSystems, #Microfluidics, #PrintedOptics, #WearableHealth, #BiomedicalEngineering
This is a highlight of the presentation:
Flexible hybrid multi-layer complex systems: Prototyping and Process Development
More Highlights from the same talk.
07:13 - 08:50
Are standard PPG sensors the limit for wearables, or can we integrate advanced spectral imaging directly onto flexible electronics for next-generation diagnostics?
Are standard PPG sensors the limit for wearables, or can we integrate advanced spectral imaging directly onto flexible electronics for next-generation diagnostics?
The role of photonics in wearables and diagnostic platforms is rapidly expanding beyond established applications like PPG heart rate sensors. The next frontier involves integrating more sophisticated optical sensing capabilities directly onto printed and flexible electronic substrates. This trend is driven by the demand for richer physiological data from non-invasive devices.
VTT is actively developing technologies to enable this shift, moving towards multispectral and even full spectral imaging on flexible platforms. A key area of research is the packaging of advanced photonics components, including MEMS-based Fabry-PĆ©rot spectral filters. Integrating these tunable filters allows a compact sensor to capture detailed spectral information from human tissue, unlocking new biomarkers and diagnostic possibilities.
While the technology to build these advanced sensors is progressing, a significant challenge remains in interpreting the complex data they generate and correlating it with specific health parameters. Another powerful application area is the convergence of printed electronics, microfluidics, and biosensors, where optical readout mechanisms are often the preferred method for detecting and quantifying biological analytes in a lab-on-a-chip format.
In this short video, you can learn:
* The evolution of optical sensing in wearables from simple PPG to multispectral imaging.
* The role of integrated photonics packaging and MEMS-based spectral filters.
* The convergence of printed electronics, microfluidics, and optical readouts for biosensing.
š **Clip Abstract** Photonics integration in flexible electronics is advancing beyond simple PPG sensors towards sophisticated multispectral and spectral imaging for next-generation wearables. This involves packaging advanced components like MEMS-based spectral filters to unlock new diagnostic capabilities from human tissue.
š Link in comments š
#SpectralImaging, #FlexibleElectronics, #MEMSSpectralFilters, #OpticalBiosensors, #WearableElectronics, #NonInvasiveDiagnostics
05:36 - 07:13
How do you rapidly prototype a complex medical device that combines printing, microfluidics, and chip assembly in a single, versatile pilot line?
How do you rapidly prototype a complex medical device that combines printing, microfluidics, and chip assembly in a single, versatile pilot line?
VTT's medical device pilot line is designed for versatility, integrating multiple key manufacturing processes within the same cleanroom environment. This setup is crucial for accelerating the development of complex hybrid electronic devices. The core capabilities start with foundational printing and curing processes for depositing functional inks on large-format sheets.
The facility supports advanced integration, including chip and component assembly using pick-and-place technology. For creating multilayer structures, especially for microfluidics, the line incorporates both mechanical and laser cutting for precise shaping and via formation. This combination of additive and subtractive processes is essential for building complex, three-dimensional devices.
Beyond standard electronics, the pilot line accommodates specialized bio-application needs through high-precision dispensing of biomaterials that may not be suitable for printing. It also includes emerging capabilities for photonics integration and is equipped with extensive characterization and reliability testing labs. This cyclical process flow enables the fabrication and validation of sophisticated multilayer devices, streamlining the path from concept to functional prototype.
In this short video, you can learn:
* The key manufacturing steps available in a versatile hybrid electronics pilot line.
* How processes like printing, chip assembly, and laser cutting are combined for prototyping.
* The importance of a cyclical development process that includes characterization and reliability testing.
š **Clip Abstract** VTT's medical device pilot line offers a versatile, integrated cleanroom environment for rapid prototyping of complex hybrid electronics. It combines printing, chip assembly, precision cutting, and dispensing to enable a fast, cyclical development process for advanced medical and wearable devices.
š Link in comments š
#HybridElectronicsManufacturing, #PrintedElectronicsPrototyping, #MicrofluidicsFabrication, #PrecisionComponentAssembly, #MedicalDevices, #WearableElectronics
09:09 - 11:09
Can you build a four-layer, fully stretchable PCB using only printing and lamination, and why would this be a game-changer for wearable electronics design?
Can you build a four-layer, fully stretchable PCB using only printing and lamination, and why would this be a game-changer for wearable electronics design?
To meet the demand for higher performance in printed electronics, there is a critical need to move from simple single-layer or bridged designs to true multilayer architectures, especially for stretchable applications. VTT is tackling this challenge by developing a four-layer stretchable printed circuit board (PCB) on an elastomer substrate. This approach aims to deliver the performance of traditional rigid electronics in a fully flexible and stretchable form factor.
The manufacturing process for this multilayer structure combines several key techniques. It starts with screen printing conductive layers, followed by the creation of vertical interconnects (vias) using either mechanical punching or precision lasering. The individual layers are then carefully aligned and laminated together to form a monolithic, yet stretchable, four-layer circuit.
The motivation for developing a four-layer system is multifaceted and crucial for advancing wearable technology. It enables significantly improved signal integrity, allows for the use of smaller component packages through denser routing, and supports high-frequency RF applications. Critically, it provides electronics designers with a familiar four-layer design paradigm (Signal, Ground, Power, Signal), making the transition to stretchable electronics more accessible and simplifying the design of complex, high-performance circuits.
In this short video, you can learn:
* The process for manufacturing a four-layer stretchable PCB using printing, via creation, and lamination.
* Why multilayer architectures are essential for high-performance flexible electronics.
* The key benefits for designers, including improved signal integrity, miniaturization, and a familiar design workflow.
š **Clip Abstract** VTT is developing a four-layer, fully stretchable PCB on an elastomer substrate to bring high performance to printed electronics. The process uses printing, via punching, and lamination to create complex circuits that offer improved signal integrity and a familiar design environment for engineers.
š Link in comments š
#StretchablePCB, #MultilayerPrintedElectronics, #ElastomerSubstrate, #PrintedVias, #WearableElectronics, #FlexibleElectronics