A technique for acquiring and accessing information from a medical implantable
device is provided. Analog waveforms of interest are sensed and processed by signal
acquisition circuitry. Analog parameters of interest are applied to selector switches
which are controlled by a logic circuit. The logic circuit is also coupled an A/D
converter for converting the analog signals to digital values. The digital values
are stored in dedicated registers and are available for telemetry to an external
device upon receipt of a request or prompt signal. When a digitized value is accessed
and telemetered, the control logic circuit changes the conductive state of the
selector switches to apply the corresponding analog signal to the A/D converter.
The resulting digital value is applied to the corresponding register to refresh
the accessed and telemetered value. The technique permits the external device to
request and configure the implanted device to send only digitized values of interest.
The technique also makes efficient use of the A/D converter, which consumes energy
only as needed to refresh the memory when digital values are accessed and telemetered.