Smart textiles based wireless ECG system

Abstract

Advances in polymers, soft-electronics, biosensors and mobile communication, have led to a growing interest in wireless Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors. A wide variety of textile-based wireless ECG sensors and systems have been developed [1, 2]. Typically, such wireless ECG systems rely on miniature ECG sensor/electrode that can be worn as badges, patches, or jewelry to measure and show advance reactions. Smart textile and non-contact electrodes have also been reported recently. The earlier stage of smart clothing usually tether conventional electrode sensors or devices attached to the textile. Such approaches have their limitations such as discomfort and integration with the fabric. In this paper, a wireless ECG system using smart textiles sensor is presented. Non-contact ECG electrode, developed with intelligent materials and different textile technologies, is an integral part of wireless ECG system. Such electrodes with integrated nanostructure conformal antenna can use a wireless transmitter to send data to any external device for remote health monitoring, telemedicine and health delivery. The paper will also present the design of the textile based integrated conformal patch antenna as well as system level radio design that could be integrated with the textile based conformable antenna and proposed ECG electrode.