Ventilator Electronics and Diagnostics

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the electronic systems underpinning modern medical ventilators. Students will delve into the intricate architecture, including the interplay of control and monitor processors, robust watchdog and safety systems, and reliable power supplies with advanced battery management. The curriculum covers the operational principles of motor and valve drive circuits, precise sensor signal conditioning, and analog-to-digital conversion. We explore the design and function of display and user interface boards, internal communication buses, and external device connectivity. Practical skills emphasize leveraging service mode and diagnostic utilities, interpreting fault codes and event logs, and systematic board-level troubleshooting using multimeters and oscilloscopes. Essential practices like ESD control and safe board handling are integrated throughout to ensure proper maintenance procedures.

InstructorPatrick Powers

Prerequisites

VEN 105

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Introduction to Ventilator Electronic Systemslecture

02Control and Monitor Processors: Architecture and Functionlecture

03Watchdog Timers and System Safety Mechanismslecture

04Power Supplies and Battery Management Systemslab

05Motor and Valve Drive Circuitslecture

06Sensor Signal Conditioning and Analog-to-Digital Conversionlecture

07Display, User Interface Boards, and Internal Communication Buseslecture

08Midterm Review and Applied Practicelab

09External Device Connectivity and Communication Protocolslecture

10Service Mode and Diagnostic Utility Navigationlecture

11Interpreting Fault Codes and Event Logslecture

12Systematic Board-Level Troubleshooting with Meters and Oscilloscopeslab

13ESD Control and Safe Board Handlinglecture

14Capstone Service Projectassignment

Syllabus

Course Objectives:
1.  Identify and describe the function of key electronic subsystems within a critical care ventilator, including control and monitor processors, power supplies, motor and valve drive circuits, and signal conditioning boards.
2.  Trace signal paths and power distribution within a ventilator's electronic architecture using schematics and block diagrams.
3.  Utilize service mode and diagnostic utilities to retrieve fault codes, review event logs, and perform calibration routines on ventilator systems.
4.  Perform systematic board-level troubleshooting using multimeters and oscilloscopes to diagnose electronic component failures.
5.  Apply proper ESD control techniques and safe handling procedures for sensitive electronic components and circuit boards.
6.  Explain the principles of internal communication buses and external device connectivity within a ventilator system.

Grading for this course will be based on the following distribution: Knowledge Checks 10%, Assignments and Labs 30%, Quizzes 25%, Final Exam 35%.

Successful completion of this course requires familiarity with basic electronic test equipment, including digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and arbitrary waveform generators. Students should also be proficient in interpreting electronic schematics and block diagrams, and be comfortable working with a variety of hand tools for electronic assembly and disassembly.