Computer sound card used as analog-to-digital converter in a teaching physiology laboratory

Abstract

Teaching electrophysiology concepts can be a challenging task when confronted with the lack of educational electronic devices. Currently, there are a number of such devices available on the market, but our physiology laboratory does not own an integrated electrophysiology system. So, in order to provide a more practical approach to teaching electrophysiology, we were motivated to seek available alternatives. The sound card microphone port of a computer converts analog signal (sound) into digital signal, also being able to display its waveform in real time. Considering this, we developed a simple device for displaying and recording the photopletismographic peripheral pulse wave and, also, converting it in the second derivative photopletismogram wave, based on which students were able to estimate arterial stiffness. Besides this topic, students were able to learn basic concepts concerning analog-to-digital conversion and data acquisition in biological systems using our device.