SIB Box
For its new generation of cardiovascular (CV) systems, Philips Healthcare is switching from dedicated hardware to standard Intel platforms with software. This requires a redesign of the existing System Interface Board (SIB).
 |
System controller
The existing SIB design is a PCI card for a PC rack. The new design is an Ethernet-based unit known as SIB Box. The SIB Box is the system controller. Using a PC, the user tells the SIB Box what he wants the medical system to do. After a start signal has been given, the SIB Box tells all the other components when they need to perform their tasks. Timing is the most important factor with the SIB Box. You can view the schematic representation of the SIB Box's operation here.
The SIB Box has been designed to fit the existing rack without affecting other devices in the rack. This will allow the whole system to evolve towards a new architecture step by step while retaining compatibility with existing system components.
Development and optimisation
Technolution developed the electronics, software and VHDL for the SIB Box. In addition, Technolution optimised the design in terms of manufacture and testing in order to enable the production of an SIB Box that performs well and is cost-effective.
Technologies and interfaces used:
- VxWorks
- Xilinx FPGAs
- ETX module with Ethernet, USB 2.0 and VGA interfaces
- CAN interfaces
- RS232 interfaces
- Digital and analogue I/O