Non-Contact Electrocardiograms Acquisition Method Based on Capacitive Coupling

Abstract

Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring is an essential method for medical diagnosis [1], [2]. With the development of technology, better quality physiological signals can be easily recorded [3]. Long-term monitoring of electrocardiographic activity is helpful to monitor potential cardiac dysfunction. The Ag/Agcl electrode with conductive gel can record ECG signals with good signal quality and has been widely used in hospitals. However, the gel needs to be replaced regularly to achieve good signal quality because the quality of the signal deteriorates due to the gel drying over a long time. In addition, wet electrodes may not be suitable for long-term ECG monitoring because they may cause skin redness, swelling, and discomfort, especially for those patients with allergic reactions. Also, direct contact between electrodes and the human body is not applicable in many cases, such as skin injury patients, infants, etc. The goals of disease monitoring technology based on physiological signals are to reduce the amount invasive of equipment, increase the comfort of patients and improve the quality of life while pursuing high-quality signals.