SPIDER Automation SHIELD-EKG-EMG Biosensor Shield | ECG and EMG Biopotential Acquisition Board | Biofeedback and Medical Telemetry Prototyping
Description
The SPIDER Automation SHIELD-EKG-EMG is a specialized expansion shield that enables Arduino-compatible microcontrollers to capture, process, and analyze Electrocardiography (ECG) and Electromyography (EMG) signals. Opening up new horizons for biofeedback experimentation, this shield allows developers to monitor heartbeats, log pulse variations, and recognize gestures by analyzing real-time muscle activity.
The module works by converting analog differential biopotential signals—generated by muscles and heart activity attached to its input channels—into a single continuous analog stream. This output can then be digitized via the internal Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) of your baseboard microcontroller. Fully assembled, tested, and calibrated out of the box, it features stackable headers allowing up to six channels to run simultaneously.
Key Features
- Biopotential Signal Processing: Accurately captures weak differential electrical signals produced by cardiac and muscular contractions.
- Stackable Multi-Channel Design: Supports stacking up to 6 individual modules to map multiple input channels across analog pins.
- Calibration Control Circuitry: Features a precise trimmer potentiometer and digital output signal generator (D4/D9) for signal tuning.
- Standard Electrode Inputs: Equipped with dedicated input connectors compatible with standard or active medical-grade electrodes.
- Dual-Voltage Logic Support: Engineered to interface safely with both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers and development boards.
- Open-Source Documentation: Fully supported by open hardware schematics and compatibility with community software like Electric Guru.
Benefits
- Simplifies Biosignal R&D: Eliminates the complexity of building custom analog frontend amplification and filtering circuits from scratch.
- Enables Multi-Lead Monitoring: Stackable architecture permits expanding from single-lead setups to multi-channel physiological monitoring.
- Ready for Immediate Use: Arrives pre-calibrated and tested, allowing developers to jump straight into software integration and data logging.
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Versatile Ecosystem Compatibility: Works seamlessly with standard Arduino, Olimexino, and Pinguino development platforms.
Applications
- Biomedical Research & Prototyping: Building low-cost ECG monitors and heart rate data loggers for academic study.
- Gesture Recognition Systems: Capturing forearm muscle EMG signals to control robotic arms, prosthetic limbs, or computer interfaces.
- Biofeedback & Relaxation Training: Monitoring physiological stress responses and pulse metrics through interactive applications.
- Sports Science & Ergonomics: Analyzing muscle load, fatigue levels, and activation patterns during physical exercise.
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STEM Educational Projects: Teaching students signal processing, biomedical engineering concepts, and data visualization.
Package Inclusions
- 1 x SPIDER Automation SHIELD-EKG-EMG Module
Technical Specifications
| Item Type | ECG and EMG Biosensor Shield |
| Brand / Series | SPIDER Automation (SHIELD-EKG-EMG Architecture Compatible) |
| Microcontroller Compatibility | Arduino & Compatible 3.3V / 5V Development Boards |
| Operating Voltage (V) | 5V DC |
| Supported Core / Architecture | ARM / AVR / PIC (Baseboard Dependent) |
| Data Bus Width | 32 bits |
| Onboard Conversion (ADC/DAC) | 10 bits (Utilizes Host MCU ADC) |
| Sampling Rate | 256 Hz |
| Input Channels | Differential Inputs (CH1_IN+ / CH1_IN-, Stackable up to 6 Channels) |
| Calibration Features | Onboard Trimmer Potentiometer & Digital Calibration Output (D4/D9) |
| Physical Dimensions (L x W x H) | 50 × 50 × 20 mm |
| Net Board Weight | 45 g |
| Shipping Weight | 0.175 kg |
| Shipping Dimensions | 6 × 5 × 4 cm |
