Chip Talk > Revolutionizing Point-of-Care Testing with Custom ASICs
Published June 12, 2025
Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) is reshaping the healthcare landscape by enabling rapid diagnostics at the site of patient care. These compact devices are no longer confined to central laboratories, providing timely insights essential for clinical decisions. The proliferation of these devices is largely due to advancements in custom ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).
POCT devices serve numerous applications such as home testing for chronic diseases, emergency diagnostics, infectious disease screenings, and more. These decentralized tools are critical in delivering healthcare to remote or resource-constrained settings.
Custom ASICs play a pivotal role in enhancing the functionality and security of these devices. They ensure that information obtained from tests is accurate and securely transmitted, adhering to healthcare regulations.
Custom ASICs are crucial in POCT systems for various reasons:
Embedded Data Security: ASICs enable on-chip encryption like AES or DES and secure memory solutions, safeguarding patient data from unauthorized access. This assurance of data integrity is paramount in healthcare.
Process Automation: By reducing manual intervention, ASICs offer built-in calibration and monitoring features, which result in improved usability, particularly important in non-specialist-operated environments.
Location-Aware Features: With features like embedded NFC and GPS, ASICs can control the usage context and optimize inventory management, while accurately recording where data is collected.
Enhanced Connectivity: Through interfaces with smartphones and tablets or communication protocols like BLE and NFC, ASICs enable real-time data logging and remote diagnostics.
The HUGIN platform developed by Presto Engineering is a testament to how ASICs can accelerate POCT applications. This reference design integrates crucial features such as NFC-based sensing and secure data architecture, ensuring low power consumption suitable for portable devices.
HUGIN is engineered for flexibility, supporting both internal and external sensors and is customizable to fit various diagnostic needs. This modular approach hastens the development timeline without sacrificing performance.
Presto Engineering solidifies its place in the industry by supporting the entire lifecycle of ASIC development, from design to high-volume production. Their expertise spans across:
Their involvement in ASIC design ensures that manufacturers meet stringent healthcare performance, security, and reliability standards.
The incorporation of custom ASICs heralds a new era for point-of-care testing, providing the foundation on which portable and efficient medical diagnostics stand. As companies like Presto Engineering continue to innovate, the reach and efficacy of POCT devices will only grow, promising better healthcare delivery worldwide.
For more insights and developments in semiconductor technologies, explore the full article here.
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