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Smart wireless stethoscope achieves unmatched battery performance with Nordic’s nPM1300
03
Feb
2025
2025
Oslo, Norway
Lapsi Health’s Keikku employs nRF5340 SoC for high-quality medical audio streaming and recording, and transmits internal body sound data for diagnostic purposes
Digital medicine company Lapsi Health has launched an FDA-approved smart stethoscope designed for wireless recording and analysis of auscultation sounds (internal body sounds) such as heartbeats. The ‘Keikku’ has been created for use in both point-of-care and telemedicine applications.
Weighing just 100g, this pocket-sized device can is held against the patient’s body to capture audio. Medical practitioners can then stream this sound directly to their headphones or speakers, adjust the volume by twisting the device, and begin recording with a double tap. The data is then transmitted via Bluetooth® LE wireless connectivity—enabled by Nordic’s nRF5340 SoC—for analysis through the ‘Keikku’ smartphone application.
Any abnormal results are both displayed in the app and indicated through a change in the device’s LED color. The platform also offers an overview of a doctor’s schedule and access to patients’ previous recordings, enabling secure storage of auscultation data while supporting case reviews, collaboration, and teaching opportunities.
The device is run entirely on the nRF5340 SoC. The chip’s robust processors and ample memory capacity are able to seamlessly manage the microphone system for audio detection, touch sensor, as well as the Inertial Measurement Unit [IMU] for device control.
Séamus Holohan, COO at Lapsi Health
Keikku is seamlessly managed by the nRF5340
“Keikku combines advanced analytics with the simplicity of consumer electronics into one clinically validated device,” says Séamus Holohan, Chief Operating Officer at Lapsi Health. “With active noise cancellation for clear sound quality, it enhances diagnostic accuracy across cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal assessments, even in noisy environments.
“The device is run entirely on the nRF5340 SoC. The chip’s robust processors and ample memory capacity are able to seamlessly manage the microphone system for audio detection, touch sensor, as well as the Inertial Measurement Unit [IMU] for device control. Combined with the battery life achieved with the nPM1300, the Nordic devices are an integral part of our product.”
nPM1300 prolongs battery performance
The nRF5340 SoC’s network processor is clocked at 64 MHz and is optimized for low power and efficiency (101 CoreMark/mA). This low power operation of the network processor allows the device to function for up to 72 hours of continuous use on a single charge – equating to nearly a month of regular operation. This extended lifetime is further enabled by the Nordic nPM1300 Power Management IC (PMIC), which improves charging efficiency, prolongs battery performance, and reduces the need for additional power supply components.
The smart stethoscope has been designed to benefit a broad range of healthcare professionals, including primary care providers, specialists, educators, students, emergency responders, and mobile healthcare workers. Additionally, in telehealth applications, Keikku is able to provide ‘real time’ audio streaming for precise remote assessments and secure auscultation recording for team collaboration or specialist consultation.
