A portable 8 channel surface EMG recording system

The device described in this paper is capable of recording the surface EMG from up to 8 channels for a period of time ranging from 5 minutes up to 21 hours and 15 minutes. Surface EMG is initially amplified, then filtered, rectified and integrated over a short period of time. Integrals, converted into digital form, are shown on the graphics LCD and stored into a microcontroller's memory. Unit design supports usage of on-site EMG preamplifiers with artefact blanking capability, for functional electrical stimulation applications. This portable device is developed to be a source of sensory and/or control signals in closed-loop control for hybrid assistive systems.