A bus-based smart myoelectric electrode/amplifier

The design of a bus-based smart myoelectric electrode/amplifier is described that is be used in conjunction with a multi-function prosthetic hand controller. This system incorporates several different control strategies including pattern classification of EMG to control a three axis hand (The UNB Hand) that can perform six basic grip patterns. The smart electrode/amplifier was designed to meet power consumption and size specifications of commercially available myoelectric amplifiers used for prosthetic control applications while providing a host of additional features. These features include a CAN bus communication protocol to alleviate wiring complexity, software programmable gain, distributed signal processing and electrode lift detection. In addition, this paper also compares the differences in requirements between a myoelectric electrode/amplifier used in a pattern classifier system to that used in a clinical setting. System testing and evaluation with normally limbed subjects and traumatic amputees are presented.