An automated blood pressure measurement device includes the following components:

• A pneumatic pump which inflates the arm cuff
• A solenoid valve which controls the deflation of the arm cuff
• A pressure transducer which records the oscillations within the cuff
• A microprocessor which stores the data and controls the function of the pneumatic pump and the solenoid valve
• A display unit which displays the systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate

The output signal from the transducer passes through the filter to an amplifier that amplifies the oscillations. The output from the amplifier passes to the microprocessor through the analogue digital converter (ADC).

The microprocessor controls the pneumatic pump for inflation of the cuff and the solenoid valve for deflation of the cuff.

To find out more about transducers, click on the Resources button.