The first product in a series of fully integrated analog front-end (AFE) chips by Analog Devices, Inc, Norwood, MA, enables ECG systems to achieve monitor- and diagnostic-quality performance.  The device also incorporates pacemaker pulse detection and respiration measurement. The ADAS1000 ECG AFE simplifies the design of a five-electrode ECG system by significantly reducing the signal chain bill of materials from up to 50 components down to the ADAS1000 single chip plus a few discrete components. The device can be configured to optimize noise performance, power, or data rate—making it suitable for home, ambulatory, and clinical ECG systems. Future products in the series will provide optimized features and functionality to support traditional and emerging ECG system applications. The ADAS1000 is effective for a wide variety of ECG systems, including diagnostic electrocardiographs, bedside patient monitoring systems, Holter monitors, and cardiac defibrillators. The AFE provides seamless scalability for high-lead-count systems; requires a minimum number of additional external components; and offers several digital output interface options. It can also support designs based on AAMI and IEC specifications. It offers a dc-coupled channel implementation for simplified input switching, increased versatility, reduced power, and distinct post processing advantages. The AFE operates five ECG electrode measurements from as little as 19mW. Any unused channels or features can be conveniently disabled to further minimize power to as low as 11mW for one lead. Other features include low noise performance (10µV pk-pk over 0.05 to 150 Hz) to support end equipment regulatory standards; different data frame rates (2kHz, 16kHz, 128kHz) to ensure ultimate ease in data capture; and the ability to simplify overall design, eliminate many discrete components, reduce overall system size, power consumption, and development time.