ECG simulator with configurable skin-electrode impedance and artifacts emulation

Abstract

Electrocardiograms (ECG) recorded from everyday objects, such as wearables, fitness machines or smart steering wheels are becoming increasingly common. Applications are diverse and include health monitoring, athletic performance optimization, identification, authentication, and entertainment. In this study we report the design and implementation of an innovative ECG simulator, providing simulation of signal related artifacts and a dynamically adjustable skin-electrode interface model. The ECG simulator includes a unique combination of features: emulation of time dependent skinelectrode impedance, adjustable differential and common-mode interference, generation of lead-off events and analog front-end output digitalization. The skin-electrode capacitance range is 1 nF-255 nF and the resistance span is 4 kΩ-996 kΩ. System's functionality is demonstrated using a commercially available ECG front-end. The simulated SNR degradation introduced by the ECG simulator is under 0.1 dB. Results show that the skin-electrode interface can have a significant impact in the acquired waveforms. Impedance electrode imbalance, specifically of the resistive component, can generate artifacts which can be misinterpreted has arrhythmias. The proposed device can be useful for hardware and software ECG development and for training physicians and nurses to readily recognize skin-electrode impedance related artifacts.

A coloured Petri nets-based system for validation of biomedical signal acquisition devices

“…They simulate ECG signals using a controllable model. Other examples of solutions focusing on the simulation of ECG signals are reported in the studies conducted by Antonenko and Anisimov [22], Karatas et al [23], Quiroz-Juarez et al [24], and Almeida et al [25].…”

Magnetocardiograph as a noninvasive and radiation-free diagnostic device for myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Moreover, because MCG recognizes the state of the myocardium by recording the intensity of the magnetic field of the cardiomyocytes, compared with ECG, its detection sensitivity will not be affected by the galvanic skin resistance. [9] This advantage is especially prominent in the population with a high incidence of MI, as skin resistance was higher in the older group. [10] This indicates that MCG may have the characteristics of extremely early and high sensitivity in the detection of MI.…”