Abstract
This paper introduces a design and implementation of a digital control unit for an Oxygenaire Servo Baby Incubator. The control unit is designed and implemented according to international standards. The control unit is based on an AVR Atmel microcontroller unit. It is built for monitoring and control and displays the three main temperature values: set point temperature, baby skin temperature and air temperature. User friendly software is implemented. The implemented control unit was tested in the laboratory as well as in the field. The control unit is sensitive to change of 0.1 degrees C. At startup, based on a unique control strategy, the incubator reaches its steady state in about 14 minutes. The system schematic diagrams are shown in the paper. Also, programs flow charts are presented.
The control unit was designed and implemented based on a contract between the Electronics Research Institute (ERI) and ENGIMED Company. The authors would like to thank ERI and ENGIMED for introducing all required finance and shoring to complete this work.