Telectrode Systems for Unobtrusive Biopotential Recording

Biopotential recordings of human psyschophysiological parameters are hampered in many field settings, and some laboratory and clinical settings, by the sensor technology. Conventional electrodes, which tether the subject to the signal amplification and recording equipment, are cumbersome to apply, ofter interfere with normal movements, are easily dislodged, and induce electrical noise due to movement of the electrode wires carrying low level signals. This project seeks to design essentially wireless electrode recording systems that use radio frequency telemetry to transmit the biopotential signal from the recording site to a body-worn transceiver and then to a remotely located receiver. The present subcontractor has developed transceiver and receiver technology that will be reviewed and customized as needed for the present application. The focus here will be on developing a generic design for the sensor subsystem ("telectrodes"), to include the transducer interface with the skin, miniaturized amplifier and filter circuitry, an optimal connection between the transducers providing differential inputs to the amplifier, a long-lasting but compact battery, and transmitter. Phase I will consist of a design specification, development of a bench-top engineering prototype, design trade-off studies using the prototype, and the delineation of a detailed design.