DSP application for QRS detection, alignment and averaging in ECG signals

QRS complex detection is usually performed using a general purpose computers, which does not necessary have a dedicated architecture for signal processing. In this work we propose the use of a processor with an architecture highly adapted to this kind of operations: Digital Signal Processors (DSP). The implementation of an algorithm that really takes advantage of this architecture in a DSP (TMS320C30), has brought an important reduction in the processing time, with respect to general purpose computer PC, from 200 mseg to 1.5 mseg. A DSP board and a PC, working together, become a powerful system for ECG processing and analysis.