Implementation of a Cost-Effective Didactic Prototype for the Acquisition of Biomedical Signals

Aura Polo,Pedro Narvaez,Carlos Robles Algarín

doi:10.3390/electronics7050077

Aura Polo, Pedro Narvaez + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics7050077

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Journal: Electronics	Publication Date: May 22, 2018
Citations: 17	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Magdalena, Universidad del Norte

Abstract

This paper presents the implementation of a cost-effective didactic prototype, which was designed as a tool for theoretical and practical learning in the biomedical instrumentation area for engineering students. The prototype provides integrated hardware and software components that allow online acquisition, processing, and visualization of electrocardiographic (ECG), electroencephalographic (EEG), electromyographic (EMG), and electrooculographic (EOG) signals, as well as measurements of bio-impedance from the skin. A control system using an Arduino Uno board and the PIC16F877A and PIC18F2550 microcontrollers was implemented. This control system allows selecting the type of module; the lead to be used in the ECG module; the input channel for the EEG, EMG, and EOG modules; and controlling the signal generator for the bioimpedance module. In addition, a graphical interface was developed in LabVIEW, in which all the acquired biomedical signals can be visualized in real time. It is highlighted as a novelty the modular implementation of the prototype, the incorporation of five modules in a single device and the graphical user-friendly interface. The final result is a low-cost device capable of processing and visualizing bioelectric signals through an interface in LabVIEW, which also allows the user to interact with each of the stages.

Highlights

Bioelectrical signals are generated in the human body due to the functioning of organs such as the heart, brain, muscles, and eyes
The acquisition of the ECG signal depends on the leads, which vary according to the placement of the electrodes and their combinations
The control system allows communication with the PC, in which signals are visualized through a graphical user interface developed in LabVIEW

Summary

Introduction

Bioelectrical signals are generated in the human body due to the functioning of organs such as the heart, brain, muscles, and eyes. There are registers of biopotentials called electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, electromyogram, and electrooculogram, respectively These signals are generated by the membrane potential, which consists of the potential difference that exists between the inner surface and the outer surface of the cells. The ECG signal is the graphical representation obtained by measuring the electrical activity of the heart from the surface of the body Because it is a non-invasive technique, it is the most commonly used method to study the blood pumping cycle. This signal varies between 0.5 and 4 mV with a bandwidth between 0.01 and 250 Hz, and its measurement can be made using surface electrodes. 12 leads are usually used for a better diagnosis: limb, augmented limb, and precordial [4,5,6,7]

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