Design and Simulation of a Simple Educational Mechanical Ventilator Using Arduino Control

Abstract

We will prepare a basic educational mechanical ventilator based on the Arduino Uno microcontroller and simulate the process. The system simulates the inhalation and exhalation cycles by adjusting the speed of the 12-V DC fan with pulse-width modulation (PWM). Two potentiometers were placed to independently adjust the breathing rate (BPM) and airflow intensity, giving students practice on ventilator control. Experimental testing took place at approximately 10, 18, and 28 BPM, where qualitative airflow observations yielded stable and repeatable cyclic patterns under all the conditions. These results confirm that the prototype model can be used to simulate the basic mechanism of mechanical ventilation more cost-effectively and with simpler application, so that it can be of interest to biomedical engineering and medical physics education. It serves as an accessible platform for studying ventilator timing, modulation control, and basic respiratory simulation. Download Full Text