Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing self-tests on defibrillation and pacing circuits including a patient isolation switch is disclosed. Tests are provided for the defibrillation and pacing circuitry as well as the isolation switch. For testing the defibrillation circuitry, the impedance drive circuits and preamplifier may be utilized such that the energy storage capacitor is not required to be charged and discharged during the test, thus conserving energy. For testing the pacing circuitry and the isolation switch, the defibrillation circuitry is utilized. For certain of the tests, the test stimulus is the output voltage on the energy storage capacitor, while for other tests the test stimulus may be the pace current as indicated by the voltage across the input to the preamplifier. Alternative tests may be performed depending on whether the impedance at the output of the defibrillator is determined to be an open circuit or a short circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing self-tests on defibrillation and pacing circuits including a patient isolation switch is disclosed. Tests are provided for the defibrillation and pacing circuitry as well as the isolation switch. For testing the defibrillation circuitry, the impedance drive circuits and preamplifier may be utilized such that the energy storage capacitor is not required to be charged and discharged during the test, thus conserving energy. For testing the pacing circuitry and the isolation switch, the defibrillation circuitry is utilized. For certain of the tests, the test stimulus is the output voltage on the energy storage capacitor, while for other tests the test stimulus may be the pace current as indicated by the voltage across the input to the preamplifier. Alternative tests may be performed depending on whether the impedance at the output of the defibrillator is determined to be an open circuit or a short circuit.