Architecture for a Modular Temperature Detection System Used for Diabetic Foot Investigations

Feet ulcerations represent a prevalent and severe complication of diabetes. This paper presents an architecture for a modular temperature gradient detection system. The solution allows scanning of the plantar regions as a key driver for an accurate identification of local inflammations, prior to ulcer development. It comprises two parallel strings of sensing modules, serially connected to a main board, which facilitates both data acquisition and data transmission to a computer. The system demonstrated measurement resolution as low as 0.05°C and response time of circa 60 seconds. The active mode current consumption (17 mA) enables the usage of a battery supply, increasing portability, safety and ease-of-operation.