Open Source EEG Platform with Reconfigurable Features for Multiple-Scenarios

Abstract

Electroencephalogram (EEG) acquisition systems are widely used as diagnostic and research tools. This document shows the implementation of a reconfigurable family of three affordable 8-channels, 24 bits of resolution, EEG acquisition systems intended for a wide variety of research purposes. The three devices offer a modular design and upgradability, permitting changes in the firmware and software. Due to the nature of the Analog Front-End (AFE) used, no high-pass analog filters were implemented, allowing the capture of very low frequency components. Two systems of the family, called “RF-Brain” and “Bluetooth-Brain”, were designed to be light and wireless, planned for experimentation where movement of the subject cannot be restricted. The sample rate in these systems can be configured up to 2000 samples per second (SPS) for the RF-Brain and 250 SPS for the Bluetooth-Brain when the 8 channels are used. If fewer channels are required, the sampling frequency can be higher (up to 4 kSPS or 2 kSPS for 1 channel for RF-Brain and Bluetooth-Brain respectively). The third system, named “USB-Brain”, is a wired device designed for purposes requiring high sampling frequency acquisition and general purpose ports, with sampling rates up to 4 kSPS.