The Technological Advancements in Medical IoT and Silicon Labs Solutions

With increasing focus on public and mental health, the need for precise and timely health data has never been greater. The advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) are revolutionizing research methodologies, diagnostic tools, and treatments available to healthcare professionals. By harnessing the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected health devices, often referred to as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), we are now able to monitor personal health in ways that were previously unimaginable. This article explores the technological evolution of medical IoT and the solutions offered by Silicon Labs.

Connected Health Devices for Monitoring Physical and Mental Conditions

Connected health devices are small, wireless, often wearable electronic products equipped with sensors that allow users to monitor their physical and mental health based on physiological indicators. These devices can range from simple measurements like heart rate and body temperature to more sophisticated analyses of sweat, saliva, and blood to understand the chemical composition and overall condition of a user’s health.

The data collected by these devices is typically transmitted to companion applications, where AI and machine learning algorithms analyze it. These analyses provide insights into a user’s health, which can help track fitness goals, manage chronic health conditions, or even automate medication delivery.

Although these devices may seem futuristic, many are already in use. For example, diabetes patients commonly use wearable devices for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), eliminating the need for finger pricks or waiting for physical symptoms. Another “smart insulin pen” uses CGM data to accurately calculate insulin dosage and when to take it.

IoT-enabled devices offer an array of possibilities for monitoring health, from sleep tracking to gastrointestinal health. For instance, dental sensors may offer continuous health monitoring using saliva data, while ingestible vibrating capsules could help accelerate digestion. The applications of connected health devices are vast, and as the technology advances, so will their potential benefits.

The broad adoption of IoT and connected health devices empowers patients to make more informed decisions about their health. With easy access to real-time, actionable insights, patients can manage chronic diseases, recover from health crises, and address age-related health maintenance challenges with greater autonomy.

Challenges in Developing Connected Health Devices

While IoT and connected health devices hold great promise, they are not without their challenges. Today’s healthcare system often operates reactively, where patients interact with healthcare providers primarily when problems arise. This model contrasts with the preventative potential of connected health technology.

When patients do interact with healthcare providers, most diagnostic data is either self-reported or collected in a discrete, invasive manner with long intervals between assessments. In contrast, IoT health devices provide real-time data, enabling patients to detect sudden health changes and seek timely assistance. Moreover, these devices can automate dosage calculations and medication delivery, providing peace of mind for patients who must self-administer medication.

By integrating IoT health technologies, doctors can collect continuous, non-invasive data, improving diagnosis and providing more preventative care. Ultimately, connected health devices will allow patients to better care for themselves, reducing anxiety and improving their quality of life.

Despite the advantages, IoT health devices are still rarely used in formal healthcare settings due to several key challenges. Privacy and security concerns are paramount, as the sensitive nature of the data and the potential consequences of hacked devices necessitate robust protection mechanisms. Furthermore, regulatory requirements, such as those imposed by the FDA for devices claiming to diagnose, treat, or manage diseases, must be met.

The scalability of these devices presents another challenge. Implementing connected health devices on a large scale requires careful consideration of practical, ethical, and safety factors. These unresolved issues often lead healthcare providers to hesitate before recommending connected health devices to patients.

The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Diabetes Management

Let's take continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) as an example. For type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients, monitoring blood glucose is crucial for making informed health decisions. CGMs allow patients to understand how different foods, medications, and physical activity affect their blood glucose levels. This information is vital in developing data-driven care plans to prevent complications such as heart disease, blindness, stroke, and kidney disease.

CGM devices are especially useful for those looking to gain better control over their diabetes or those with comorbidities who need to be more involved in their treatment plans. Patients using CGMs report improved A1C levels, reduced incidences of hypoglycemia, greater treatment satisfaction, and overall well-being. The evolution of CGM technology even allows integration with insulin patch delivery systems, functioning as an artificial pancreas to continuously monitor and stabilize blood glucose levels.

CGM devices come in various types, but they all share four main components: a sensor, an analog front-end (AFE), an application processor/Bluetooth receiver, and a battery. The sensor is a thin catheter inserted under the skin of the arm or abdomen to measure glucose levels in interstitial fluid. Depending on the type of sensor used, the catheter may need to be replaced every few weeks.

The transmitter connects to the sensor and relays the collected information to a handheld receiver or smartphone, displaying the patient's glucose levels. This data can be used to evaluate post-meal glucose fluctuations or to adjust treatment plans accordingly. The associated mobile applications allow patients to view real-time, visualized CGM data.

Wireless devices offer multiple ways for patients to receive critical information and monitor their health. Device manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the importance of incorporating the key features needed for effective CGM devices, such as long battery life, energy efficiency, security, and low power consumption.

Silicon Labs: Enabling IoMT Innovation with BLE Technology

IoT is transforming how patients interact with health monitoring devices, and companies like Silicon Labs are at the forefront of this revolution, providing tools that are practical, portable, and energy-efficient. Silicon Labs proudly introduces its latest BG27 BLE SoC, designed to help medical device manufacturers integrate advanced Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity into compact and complex devices, such as CGM applications. The BG27 provides battery support, integrates an MCU capable of managing power, and stores data for medical applications.

Silicon Labs’ CGM reference design incorporates Analog Devices' AFE system and introduces a novel "boost-enable pin" method, allowing the device to operate in ultra-low-power mode until activated by the patient. This innovative feature reduces power consumption to less than 20nA in "idle mode," extending battery life significantly until the device is used.

The current reference design has achieved a 14-day runtime, complying with market standards. Silicon Labs is working on further optimizations to reduce PCB space and device size. The design uses a 1.8V AFE, eliminating the need for external power boosting and reducing the bill of materials (BOM), final costs, and dimensions.

The CGM reference design also features Bluetooth services and low-power applications that enable users to receive updates from every minute to every 30 minutes, optimizing the interval to prolong battery life. Silicon Labs offers various power modes, allowing Bluetooth devices to quickly switch between states to minimize overall power consumption, catering to both low-power and high-performance needs.

Security is paramount in IoMT, and Silicon Labs ensures its products meet necessary security protocols. The company integrates DTSec protection profiles, a must for developing secure products. Additionally, Silicon Labs offers custom parts manufacturing services (CPMS), which provide secure configurations, key programming, and debug locking during production.

Further Reading: LPC865 MCU in Drucker Diagnostics Clinical Centrifuges Application

Conclusion

While the widespread use of connected health devices in healthcare settings may still be aspirational, it is far from a distant dream. Many IoMT-compatible products have received FDA approval, and many others are in the approval process. In the coming years, we will continue to witness how IoMT devices will fundamentally transform healthcare systems, making them more efficient and effective.

Silicon Labs' BG27 BLE SoC and CGM reference design are helping IoMT developers speed up product development cycles, enabling them to quickly bring their products to market. As the technology matures, these solutions will contribute to a brighter, healthier future for patients worldwide.