Abstract: This application note describes the essential workings of an electrocardiogram (ECG). It discussesfactors that disrupt the ECG signals and make reliable, highly-accurate electrical characterization difficult. Theindustry-standard solution for ECG electrical characterization, which uses an analog front-end and ADCcombination, is explained. The article then introduces the MAX11040 simultaneous-sampling, sigma-deltaADC as a compelling, highly integrated solution that eliminates the need for the AFE, and saves both spaceand cost for the application.