For this project I developed a device aiming to monitor the tPETF/tE, a ratio which research suggests holds predictive capabilities towards whether a neonate will develop respiratory ailments. I began by identifying user needs and design requirements for the device that would allow for clinicians of nurses to evaluate the tPETF/tE over a continuous time period, as a opposed to a one time measurement. Design requirement definition involved mathematical derivation of neonatal breathing models to ensure appropriate signal amplification and filtering.

I designed a system that used principles of a Flesich Pneumotonometry, measuring pressure on either side of a flow resistive element, designed via Onshape to match previously accepted neonatal pneumotachometers ensuring safety for neonatal infants. Airflow could then be calculated using Poisuelle's law. The pressures were measured using a differential pressure sensor, which produced signals within the microvolt range. I developed analog circuitry to amplify and filter this circuit to 2 Vpp to be fed into a microcontroller. This signal was then processed to identify peaks and averages to calculate the tPETF/tE ratio.

Component and System-level verification was performed, with the entire system evaluated with the use of a syringe to approximate clinically relevant airflows.