A finely machined toothed silver electrode surface for improved acquisition of EMG signals

Abstract

With the growing interest in field of bio signal applications, it has become increasingly important to focus on improved signal acquisition mechanisms. The increase of research in EMG measurement techniques puts emphasis on bio signal detection materials and surface designs that come in contact with the skin. The work presented in this paper introduces an EMG detection surface developed by fine machining of solid silver to produce a millimeter scale toothed electrode. The toothed electrode surface consists of a higher surface area as compared to its flatter counterpart. The surface was built to not only improve the contact with skin, but also to improve signal quality. The paper provides a comparison of the electrode with gelled type EMG electrodes and a silver surface of same dimensions but with a flatter surface. Another important factor in EMG effectiveness depends upon the electrode skin impedance. Hence, a comparison of the introduced EMG electrode surface is provided in terms of electrode skin impedance using a flat silver surface of same dimensions and gelled EMG electrodes. A detailed account of the comparisons suggest that the results from the proposed electrode surface are close to gelled EMG electrodes and are better than flat silver surface.