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In this paper we present an instrumentation amplifier with discrete elements and optimized noise for the amplification of very low signals. In amplifying signals of very weak amplitude, the noise can completely absorb these signals if the used amplifier does not present the optimal guarantee to minimize the noise. Based on related research and re-viewing of recent patents Journal of Medical Systems, 30:205-209, 2006, we suggest an approach of noise reduction in amplification much more thoroughly than re-viewing of recent patents and we deduce from it the general criteria necessary and essential to achieve this optimization. The comparison of these criteria with the provisions adopted in practice leads to the inadequacy of conventional amplifiers for effective noise reduction. The amplifier we propose is an instrumentation amplifier with active negative feedback and optimized noise for the amplification of signals with very low amplitude. The application of this method in the case of electro cardio graphic signals (ECG) provides simulation results fully in line with forecasts.

Background: There is a huge gap in the audiological care in Africa by comparison with Western countries. Its main reason is the prohibitive cost of the medical devices used to screen or diagnose patients. A Cameroonian team tackled this problem by developing a medical device (SON'OR © ) which integrates a new instrumentation amplifier structure dedicated to perform otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA). The major technical challenges to perform OAE and BERA are the synchronization and the amplification of signals of very low amplitude. In this work, we emphasize on the general criteria necessary and indispensable to achieve an optimal amplification. The application of a novel instrumentation amplifier structure characterized by its optimized noise factor in the case of BERA and OEA emissions provides simulations and experimental results fully in line with forecasts.

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