title: Evolution of microcomputer-based medical instrumentation.
abstract: This paper provides a historical review of the evolution of the technologies that led to modern microcomputer-based medical instrumentation. I review the history of the microprocessor-based system because of the importance of the microprocessor in the design of modern medical instruments. I then give some examples of medical instruments in which the microprocessor has played a key role and in some cases has even empowered us to develop new instruments that were not possible before. I include a discussion of the role of the microprocessor-based personal computer in development of medical instruments.
authors: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA. tompkins@engr.wisc.edu
authors: Willis J
authors: WJ
authors: Tompkins
mesh_terms: D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000266:history* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008838:Microcomputers / Q000266:history*