The official journal of the Embedded Systems Show

Editorial Comment: Quality or Quantity?
By Philip Ling, Editor

As a nation (and a species in general) we’re living longer now than ever before. The reasons for this are numerous: we understand better what constitutes a nutritionally balanced diet; we appreciate the benefi ts regular exercise brings in preventing certain illnesses; we live in a society that actively promotes safety in every aspect of our lives; and perhaps most importantly we have made significant medical breakthroughs that can extend life.

All of this means we are living longer, but are we living stronger? Now that mortality rates are dropping and average ages are increasing, questions are being asked pertaining to, if not the meaning of life, the benefi ts of longer lives. The quantity of life – the average age – has been increasing for many years, but is the same true about the quality of life?

This isn’t an altruistic question of morality towards our fellow man, but a more self-interested one of individual wellbeing; not only do we want to live longer but, understandably, we want to enjoy those extra years, too. Medical treatment can provide the quantity of life, so shouldn’t it also provide the quality?

Today, healthcare is perhaps one of the most technically advanced sectors enabled by the electronics industry. Without the continued investment of leading providers in this area we may not be able to enjoy the quantity of life now available. We literally put our lives in the hands of others when we enter an operating theatre, but increasingly it isn’t the hands of surgeons performing the procedures.

Using the latest technologies and leading-edge imaging techniques, procedures which may be controlled by surgeons are being performed via an artifi cial extension, allowing access to organs without the need for intrusive surgery. The benefi ts of keyhole surgery include much faster convalescence, allowing more procedures to be performed.

Aftercare is less technically advanced; once the patient is well enough to leave the hospital they may be deemed fi t to resume normal life. However the impact of increased life is that healthcare outside the confi nes of a hospital is becoming increasingly important, not least because the healthcare systems of the developed world are already struggling to meet the demands of a growing population. ...

Download Embedded System Engineering, September 2008

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In this issue:
Technology Focus: Software Design
Parallel architectures demand innovative solutions

Technology Focus: Interfaces
Single Board Computers are evolving

Application Focus: Wireless in High Reliability
Will new wireless profiles for medical devices create market demand?

Also in this issue :
ESS Show Preview
A comprehensive 8 page section with a full run-down of the Technical Conference, live product tear-downs and more!

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The electronics industry is enabled by innovation at the silicon level. Whether designing at a system level or optimising for space and power, keeping abreast of the latest developments in component technology is essential for engineering and commercial success.

This regular section will track developments in the broad areas of Digital, Mixed Signal and Interface technologies – including: Microprocessors/ Microcontrollers; Programmable Logic; DSPs; Memory; High Performance Analogue; Audio/Video drivers; DAC/ ADCs; Displays, and Communications & Networking.

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