Are PSoC Noise Levels Low Enough for Single-Chip Active EMG Electrodes?

Electromyography (EMG) is the study of the muscular functions through the detection of the electrical signal produced by the muscles. It is used to investigate several motor disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries. Electromyographic signals can also be used to develop assistive technologies devices, improving the life quality of certain patients. Such devices require a small size, wearable, active electromyographic electrode. Programmable System on Chip microcontrollers includes analogic and digital elements that allow integrating most of the electromyographic signal acquisition process in a single integrated circuit. However, we must verify if the internal noise level of these devices are compatible with this application. This work describes a surface electromyographic acquisition system implemented as an active electrode in a single Programmable System on Chip. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the internal noise of the developed system and verify if it’s compatible with electromyographic signal requirements.