VALLEY VIEW UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING

BMET 278
BIOMEDICAL TRANSDUCERS AND SENSORS
COURSE OUTLINE

SECOND SEMESTER: 2022 / 2023

LECTURER: MR. EMMANUEL PRAH

 VALLEY VIEW UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
BMET 278 – BIOMEDICAL TRANSDUCERS AND SENSORS
SECOND SEMESTER 2022 / 2023

Lecturer: Mr. Emmanuel Prah (BSc, MSc)

Office: Andrew Clark (AC) – 304
e-mail: ekaprah@engineer.com, eprah@vvu.edu.gh
Tel: 024 0103900
Office Hrs: By appointment

Credit Hours: 2
Class: 10:00am – 12:30pm, Mondays Room: MET 101

Lab: TBA Room: MET 101

Course Description

The course covers the basic theories of measurement, bioelectric signals, biomedical
transducers and sensors for acquiring physiological signals and their associated signal
conditioning circuits, and electrical safety. The course is designed to assist students to
understand the characteristics of physiological signals (such as ECG, EEG, EMG) and
the methods to collect, process, display and record such signals. Topics covered
include: Basic Theories of Measurement, Fundamentals of Biomedical Transducers and
Sensors, Pressure Transducers, Temperature Transducers, Flow Transducers,
Electrochemical Transducers, Biopotential Electrodes, Biopotential Amplifiers, and
Electrical Safety.

Prerequisites: MATH 111, BMET 114 and BMET 231

Corequisite: BMET 232

Textbooks:

1) John G. Webster. (2009). Medical Instrumentation: Application and Design.

New York: Wiley.
2) Raghbir S. Khandpur. (2004). Biomedical Instrumentation: Technology and
Applications. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.
3) Joseph J. Carr and John M. Brown. (2000). Introduction to Biomedical
Equipment Technology. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
4) Richard Aston. (1990). Principles of Biomedical Instrumentation and
Measurements. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
5) Nicholas Cram and Selby Holder. (2005). Basic Electronic Troubleshooting
for Biomedical Technicians. Texas: TSTC Publishing.
 6) Raghbir S. Khandpur. (2006). Troubleshooting of Electronic Equipment. New
York: McGraw-Hill / TAB Electronics.
7) Tatsuo Togawa, Toghiyo Tamura and P. A. Öberg. (1997). Biomedical
Transducers and Instruments. Florida: CRC-Press.
8) Robert B. Northrop. (2003). Analysis and Application of Analog Electronic
Circuits to Biomedical Instrumentation. Florida: CRC-Press.
9) C. R. Rao and S. K. Guha. (2004). Principles of Medical Electronics and
Biomedical Instrumentation. Chennai: Universities Press.
10)David Prutchi and Michael Norris. (2004). Design and Development of Medical
Electronic Instrumentation. New Jersey: Wiley-Interscience

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

 Define the terms measurement and measurand

 Describe the function of the elements of a measurement system
 Define the terms: error, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, resolution, validity,
reliability and repeatability
 Explain standard and types of standards
 Define type of errors
 Define the terms transducer, sensor, and electrode
 Define sensor terminologies
 Define the following modes of physiological signal measurement: direct
and indirect, intermittent and continuous, invasive and noninvasive
 Analyze Wheatstone bridge circuits in medical instrumentation
applications
 Describe the generation and properties of bioelectric signals (ECG, EEG
etc)
 Describe different types of electrodes used to acquire biopotentials
 Describe types of transducers used to measure physiological parameters
 Define absolute and gauge pressures
 Explain the function of barometers and manometers
 State the principles of bourdon tube, bellow, and diaphragm pressure
meters
 Define gauge factor for a resistive strain gauge and derive its dependent
variables
 Describe bonded and unbonded strain gauges, metal strain wire, and
diaphragm strain gauges
 Analyze the principles of piezoelectric pressure gauges
 Analyze the characteristics of RTDs, thermistors, thermocouples, and IC
temperature sensors
 Define errors due to lead resistance and self-heating effect in temperature
measurement applications
 Explain methods to linearize thermistor characteristics
 Explain the differences between laminar flow and turbulent flow
  State Bernoulli’s equation and Poiseulle’s law, and apply them
 Define Viscosity and Reynolds number
 Explain the principle of operation of Venturi tube, Orifice, Pitot tube, and
Rotameter flowmeters
 Explain the operation of hot wire anemometers, electromagnetic and
ultrasound flow sensors
 Define standard half-cell potential and compute cell potential under
nonstandard conditions
 Analyze the construction and electrochemical reactions of reference
electrodes including hydrogen, calomel, Ag / AgCl standard electrodes
 Analyze the construction and electrochemical reactions of ion selective
electrodes
 Define biopotential and its origin
 Explain the formation of cell membrane potential and action potential
 List the characteristics of ideal biopotential electrodes
 Explain half-cell potentials, offset potential, and their significance in
biopotential measurements
 Analyze the characteristics of perfectly polarized and perfectly
nonpolarized electrodes
 Sketch and analyze the electrical equivalent circuit of Ag / AgCl skin
electrodes
 Describe different types of biosensors
 State the nature and causes of electrical shock hazards from medical
equipment
 Describe physiological effects of electricity on humans
 Define the terms: macroshock and microshock
 Define leakage current and identify its sources
 List user precautions to minimize risk from electrical shock
 Analyze the principles and shortfalls of grounded and isolated power
systems in terms of electrical safety
 Explain the function of the line isolation transformer in an isolated power
system
 Explain the purpose of signal isolation and identify common isolation
barriers

Course Contents

1. Basic theories of measurement

i. Types of measurement: Direct, Indirect, and Null

ii. Factors in making measurements: Error, Validity, Reliability,
Reproducibility, Accuracy, Resolution, and Precision
iii. Measurement errors: Theoretical, Static, Dynamic, and Instrument
Insertion errors
2. Bioelectric Signals

i. Origins of Biopotentials
ii. Biopotential of the Heart (ECG)
iii. Biopotential of the Brain (EEG)
iv. Electromyogram (EMG)

3. Fundamentals of Biomedical Transducers

i. Types of transducers
ii. Transducer characteristics
iii. Signal conditioning
iv. Transducer excitation
v. Common physiological signal transducers

4. Pressure Transducers

i. Barometers and manometers

ii. Mechanical pressure gauges
iii. Strain gauges
iv. Piezoelectric pressure transducers

5. Temperature Transducers

i. Electrical temperature transducers

ii. Resistance temperature devices (RTDs)
iii. Lead and self-heating errors
iv. Thermistors
v. Thermocouples
vi. IC temperature sensors
vii. Comparison of temperature sensors and characteristics

6. Flow transducers

i. Laminar and turbulent flow

ii. Bernoulli’s equation and Poiseulle’s equation
iii. Types of flow transducers

7. Ultrasonic Flowmeters

i. Transit Time Flowmeter

ii. Doppler Flowmeter

8. Electrochemical Transducers

i. Reference electrodes
 ii. Ion selective electrodes

9. Biopotential Electrodes

i. Origin of biopotentials
ii. Biopotential electrodes

10. Electrical Safety

i. Electrical shock hazards

ii. Microshock and macroshock
iii. Prevention of electrical safety hazards
iv. Grounded and isolated power systems
v. Signal isolation
vi. Measurement of leakage current

11. Biopotential Amplifiers

i. Introduction
ii. Instrumentation Amplifiers
iii. Differential and Common Mode Signals
iv. Noise in Biopotential Signal Measurements
v. Interference from External Electrical Field
vi. Interference from External Magnetic Field
vii. Conductive Interference

Mode of Delivery

i. Lectures
ii. Discussions / Tutorials
iii. Group Presentations / Assignments
iv. Practicals

Course Requirements

1) Class Attendance, Participation, and Classroom Misconduct Policy

i. Attendance at each lecture session and participation is expected.

Students are expected to be on-time for all lectures. If for any unforeseen
circumstances a lecture will be missed, the student must contact the
lecturer prior to the lecture being missed. If a lecture is cancelled for any
reason, students will be informed through the course representative. As a
courtesy to classmates and faculty, phones should be turned off during
lecture sessions.
 ii. The lecturer has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of order in
the classroom, and can order temporary removal from the classroom of
any student engage in disruptive conduct or conduct that violates the
general rules and regulations of the University pertaining to classroom
manners.

iii. For the avoidance of doubt, disruptive behaviour in the classroom may be
defined as, but not limited to behaviours that obstruct or disrupt the
learning environment (e.g. offensive language, harassment of students
and faculty, failure to cooperate in maintaining classroom decorum etc),
text messaging, and continued use of any electronic device which disturbs
others.

2) Deadlines and Late Policy

i. Late submission of assignments, presentation reports, lab reports and late

presentations will not be accepted. Don’t wait until the last minute to
submit your work.

3) Group Presentations.

i. There will be two group presentations. Two persons from each group will
present each topic; everyone will present by the end of the semester.

ii. Each group will submit a typed report to accompany each presentation.

4) Laboratory / Practical Work

i. Each student will work on some lab work during the semester.

ii. Each lab work will be accompanied by a type report.

5) Examinations

i. There will be two examinations: a Mid Semester Examination and an End

of Semester Examination.

Course Evaluation

Item Percentage (%)

Group Presentation 20
Mid Semester Examination 20
End of Semester Examination 60
Course Grading

Marks (%) Grade

80 – 100 A
75 – 79 A-
70 – 74 B+
65 – 69 B
61 – 64 B-
56 – 60 C+
50 – 55 C
45 – 49 C-
40 – 44 D
00 - 39 F

Class Policies and Procedures

All students are required to note the following class policies:

1. The Head of the Department reserves the right to change the class schedule if
there are time table clashes.

2. Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off during class hours.

3. Academic Integrity: Valley View University believe in high standards of academic

excellence. In all matters of intellectual pursuit, VVU faculty, staff and students
must strive to achieve the best. In the classroom and in all other academic
activities, students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic
integrity. Any form of scholastic dishonesty is a hindrance in the pursuit of
knowledge and jeopardizes the quality of education. Any student who commits
an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to disciplinary action. Scholastic
dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the
submission of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to
another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the
attempt to commit such acts. Proven violations of these guidelines may result in
sanctions ranging from disciplinary probation, to failing grades on the work in
question, to failing grades in the course, to suspension or dismissal, among
others.

4. Exam/Assignments/Projects: All students are expected to arrive in class

prepared, i.e., assigned readings completed and homework ready to turn in for
grading. If there is a problem taking an exam at the assigned time, students
MUST contact the instructor PRIOR to the day of the exam or NO make-up test
will be allowed and the student will receive a zero for the missed exam. NO
 projects or homework will be accepted after the due date and time. Project or
homework material left with the instructor at the end of the semester will be
retained only for two (2) weeks into the next semester, after which they will be
destroyed.

5. Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend classes regularly and on

time. Grade will be awarded for active participation in the classes. Only
exceptional reasons for absence (e.g., illness, death of a family member) will be
excused. If a student must miss a class, he/she must inform the instructor before
the class period. Students must take full responsibility when they miss class or
come to class late. If a student misses a class with permission, it is the
responsibility of the student to obtain class notes, announcements, handouts,
exercises and assignments from classmates and assistance from the instructor.

6. Sickness: If a student is sick and he/she misses the class, then the student must
inform the Head of Department and the class instructor in writing immediately.
Letters that are obtained from the doctors after the sickness without prior
information to the Head of Department will not be accepted.

7. Dress Code: Demonstrating professionalism is very important for students,

especially for future career development. Therefore, students are expected to
dress properly as executives when they are in class. Shorts, t-shirts, tight jeans,
sleeve-less tops, sandals, etc, are not acceptable attire while attending classes.

8. Quizzes: To ensure that students stay current with the assigned readings, the
instructor will give several short unannounced quizzes during the semester.
There will be no make-ups for missed quizzes.

9. Group Work: Students may be assigned to work in a group and submit group
work and therefore they are responsible for organizing themselves, dividing up
the work, and deciding how relative contributions should be measured. It is
responsibility of the student to promptly inform the instructor of any dysfunctional
group member and to solicit help. All group members must:

a) Participate in all group activities,

b) Participate in class discussions,
c) Strive to maintain positive working relationships with their group members,
d) Complete all assignments,
e) Freely express their ideas, thoughts, comments, and constructive
criticisms to their group members, the instructor, and the class.
f) Ensure that all members understand all concepts related to the completed
projects and presentations. The instructor may ask questions about any
completed project or presentation to any group member and any
incomplete or unsatisfactory answers will affect the group grade.

10. Quality of Work: The submitted work must be of professional quality both in terms
of content and presentation:
 a) Spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity of expression, and presentation will
count in every piece of work students do for during course. If students
have trouble with spelling, grammar or punctuation, they arrange for
someone to proof-read the material before submission.
b) Student grade will be based on what they say or write and how they
present it. A superior job may not be recognized as such if the
presentation is poor.
c) Good ideas poorly expressed will receive poor grades, as will flashy
presentations that lack content.
d) Students must read carefully all assignments. Students are responsible to
turn in ALL required assignments/projects/ exercises.
e) All work submitted for evaluation must be neat and clearly marked
indicating the question/case to which it relates. Students work should
clearly state the title of the work, student’s name (or the names of all the
group members, if it is group work), and the date of submission.

11. Grade Appeals: If a student believes that the grade he/she received on an
assignment, exam or other graded course component was an error or unfair, the
student can appeal within three weeks after the declaration of results by filling the
Grades Re-Checking Form that is obtained from the Head of the Department. Fill
the form and submit it to the Head of Department for processing. Grades Re-
Checking form submitted after three weeks will not be considered. After
confirmation of the grades through the Grades Re-Checking process and the
student still believe that the grade he/she received on an assignment, exam or
other graded course component was an unfair and student is interested in re-
marking of the paper, then the student must obtain the Re-Marking Form from
the Head of Department, fill it and submit to the Head of Department for
processing. A student is allowed to apply for Re-Marking within three weeks after
the declaration of Grades Re-Checking results. Re-Marking forms submitted after
three weeks will not be considered.

12. Sexual Harassment: If a student encounters unlawful sexual harassment or any

form of discrimination from instructors or students, please contact the Office of
Dean of Students Affairs, Valley View University, P.O. Box AF 595, Adentan.
Accra. Telephone Number: 0307011833/0244715373.

Students with Special Needs

Valley View University is committed to providing a conducive learning environment,

which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If a student has any
disability that may impair his/her ability to study successfully, the student should contact
the instructor and the Head of the Department immediately for assistance. If the student
with disability feel that he/she has been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of
disability, he/she should contact the: Office of Dean of Students Affairs, Valley View
University, P.O. Box AF 595, Adentan. Accra. Telephone Number: 0307011833 /
0244715373.