Testing Wi-Fi Functionality in Medical Devices

Requiring a persistent network connection, medical devices can place stringent requirements on Wi-Fi connections. A failure in the transmission of data can be caused by a disruption of even just a tenth of a second, this may seriously compromise patient care.

In a typical medical application, RF transmissions between the medical device and, for example, a nurses station, may be absorbed by lead walls or human bodies, redirected by metal objects and surfaces, or disrupted by sources of RF interference. Therefrore, a Wi-Fi radio embedded in a medical device must be thoroughly tested to ensure reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

This white paper will explain where and how to best test an embedded Wi-Fi radio and defines key requirements that should be included in testing, such as RF performance, interoperability with popular Wi-Fi infrastructures, security, and mobility.

Unaffordable by many embedded wireless providers and medical device manufacturers, an extensive setup and experienced test engineers are require for thorough testing such as this. Rigorously-tested Wi-Fi modules must be selected by medical device manufacturers for their designs to make the wirelessly connected hospital a reality.

Chris Downey from Laird and Bill Quatier from Welch Allyn will discuss medical-grade Wi-Fi for hospitals in their upcoming webinar, "Making the Connected Hospital a Reality".