Methods and systems for power optimization in a medical device

A method of operating a physiological monitor, the method comprising:

• generating a first light drive signal for activating a first light source to emit a first photonic signal;
• receiving a first light signal attenuated by a subject, wherein the first light signal comprises attenuated light corresponding to the first photonic signal;
• identifying, using a processor, a systole period of the subject based on the attenuated light of the first light signal;
• determining, using a processor, when to activate a second light source based on the systole period;
• generating, when it is determined to activate the second light source, a second light drive signal for activating the second light source to emit a second photonic signal;
• receiving a second light signal attenuated by the subject, wherein the second light signal comprises attenuated light corresponding to the second photonic signal;
• and
• determining, using the processor, a physiological parameter of the subject based on the attenuated light of the respective first and second received light signals.