electronics
Communication
The Design and Construction of a 12-Channel Electrocardiogram
Device Developed on an ADS1293 Chip Platform
Thanh-Nghia Nguyen 1 , Thanh-Tai Duong 2, * , Hiba Omer 3 , Abdelmoneim Sulieman 4 and David
A. Bradley 5,6
Citation: Nguyen, T.-N.; Duong, T.-T.;
Omer, H.; Sulieman, A.; Bradley, D.A.
The Design and Construction of a
12-Channel Electrocardiogram
Device Developed on an ADS1293
Chip Platform. Electronics 2023, 12,
2389. https://doi.org/10.3390/
electronics12112389
Academic Editors: Enzo Pasquale
Scilingo, Nicola Vanello and Antonio
Lanata
Received: 11 April 2023
Revised: 19 May 2023
Accepted: 20 May 2023
Published: 25 May 2023
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Electronics 2023, 12, 2389. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12112389
1 Faculty of Electrical-Electronic Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education,
Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; nghiant@hcmute.edu.vn
2 Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 298-300A Nguyen Tat
Thanh Street, Ward 13, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
3 Department of Basic Sciences, Deanship of Preparatory Year and Supporting Studies, Imam Abdulrahman Bin
Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia; hbomer@iau.edu.sa
4 Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences,
Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 422, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
abdelmoneim_a@yahoo.com
5 Centre for Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya 46150, Malaysia;
d.a.bradley@surrey.ac.uk
6 School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
* Correspondence: dttai@ntt.edu.vn
Abstract: An accurate and compact electrocardiogram (ECG) device will greatly assist doctors in
diagnosing heart diseases. It will also help to address the increasing number of deaths caused by
heart disease. Accordingly, the goal of the project is to design and construct an easy-to-use compact
12-lead electrocardiogram device that communicates with a computer to create a system that can
continuously monitor heart rate and which can be connected to allied medical systems. The design is
based on an ECG receiver circuit utilizing an IC ADS1293 and an Arduino Nano. The ADS1293 has
built-in input Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) filters, quantizers, and digital filters, which help in
reducing the size of the device. The software has been created using the C# programming language,
with Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), aiding the collection of the ECG signals from the
receiving circuit via the computer port. An ECG Multiparameter Simulator has been used to calibrate
the ECG device. Finally, a plan has been developed to connect the arrangement to health systems
according to HL7 FHIR (Health Level Seven Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) through
Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface (Rest API). The ECG device,
completed at the cost of U$169 excluding labor, allows for the signal of 12 leads of ECG signal to be
obtained from 10 electrodes mounted on the body. The processed ECG data was written to a JSON
file with a maximum recording time of up to three days, managed by a Structured Query Language
Server (SQL) Server database. The software retrieves patient data from electrical medical records
in accordance with HL7 FHIR standards. A compact and easy-to-use ECG device was successfully
designed to record ECG signals. An in-house developed software was also completed to display and
store the ECG signals.
Keywords: electrocardiogram (ECG); 12-lead ECG device; ECG signal based ADS1293
1. Introduction
In Vietnam, wherein present studies have been carried out, cardiovascular disease
accounted for more than 170,000 deaths in 2019 [1]. Globally, according to the World Health
Organization (WHO), some 17.9 million people died in 2016 due to cardiovascular diseases
(CVDs), about 31% of all deaths [2]. Diagnostics to detect heart disease is obviously a
prime concern, there being many devices used to assist clinicians in making decisions. In
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics
Electronics 2023, 12, 2389 2 of 16

particular, devices measuring electrical heart signals are indispensable in the process of
diagnosing a range of heart diseases (including arrhythmia, heart failure, and coronary
artery disease). Common to hospitals worldwide, ECG devices offer a range of advantages,
including being simple to use and rapid in providing data, and devoid of side effects to
patients and medical staff during the process of noninvasive measurement [3,4]. However,
the current popular forms of ECG devices still have some limitations, including with respect
to cost and size as well as weight. Moreover, there are additional limitations concerning
the recording time of the signals and the ability to store data. Integrated circuits such
as ADS1298 and ADS1293 have been developed to overcome such limitations, replacing
traditional electrical circuits, reducing the size of devices, and allowing greater applicability
in responding to potentially life-threatening heart conditions [5–7]. The introduction of
reduced-cost high-performance microcontrollers should also be acknowledged, for example,
Arduino, PIC, and STM32, all in all making it easier to design flexible ECG devices.
In general, the majority of ECG recording devices presently print results on paper to
allow physicians to diagnose heart disease, making it difficult to store and manage the
output. The software supporting the machine also has attendant difficulties in communi-
cating with other systems. Accordingly, in seeking to support the study and diagnosis of
cardiac diseases and heart-related diseases, there is a burgeoning need for a receiver that:
(i) can collect from multiple cardiac leads; (ii) is easy to carry, and; (iii) can be connected to
computer software to display and manage data. Currently, in seeking to solve the problem
of size, it is possible to use the ADS1293, an Analog Front-End chip that is also an integrated
circuit dedicated to receiving and digitizing ECG signals, being not only small in size but
also flexible in application [8–10].
For desktop software, the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) is a powerful
platform used to design interfaces, process data, and support diverse data exchange
methods, while Health Level Seven Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (HL7 FHIR)
is a resource management standard used by many countries for digital health systems as an
alternative to the HL7 standard [11–13]. In adopting these, the goal of the project herein has
been to design and construct a 12-lead ECG device to communicate with a computer using
the above technologies. A system is desirable, from signal acquisition hardware through to
software for both observation and storage, saving time and being simple to manage as well
as a source of data for research [14].

2. Material and Method

The following sequential steps have been taken to achieve the stated goal:
Step 1: Design a block diagram and system hardware to include: a 12-lead heart signal
receiver circuit with an ADS1293 Analog Front-End chip [15] to be connected to a computer
via an Arduino Nano board integrated with an FT232L chip [16], with a power circuit for
the ADS1293 from a Li-Po rechargeable battery, also with status display control circuits. The
battery is the main power supply for all of the circuitry, avoiding powerline interference in
the ECG signal. Moreover, it prevents patient electrical contact with the power supply to
avoid hazards to the patient. Step 2: Build the hardware and program the Arduino for data
receipt, data transmission and management tasks. Step 3: Apply the WPF platform written
in the C# language to build tools on the computer, such as that required for processing,
displaying, and recording signals. Data and information are to be managed using a SQL
Server database. Set up is also allowed of a communication channel with an electronic
medical record system in accordance with HL7 FHIR standards [17]. Step 4: Test the entire
system by using the ECG simulator and by receiving real signals from volunteers.

2.1. Design Block Diagrams and System Hardware

The system consists of a number of components connected together, as shown in
Figure 1, including:
• Signal acquisition block: this includes 10 electrodes and 3 analog front-end circuits
(AFEC). The ADS1293 AFE is a specialized circuit for analog reception for use with
 The system consists of a number of components connected together, as shown in Fig-
ure 1, including:
• Signal acquisition block: this includes 10 electrodes and 3 analog front-end circuits
Electronics 2023, 12, 2389 (AFEC). The ADS1293 AFE is a specialized circuit for analog reception for3 of use16 with
amplifiers with noise-sensitive signals. It has built-in filters, digital interfaces, and
integrated circuits dedicated to cardiac signal acquisition applications.
• Control block:
amplifiers withthis includes a signals.
noise-sensitive heat sensor,
It has an Arduino
built-in filters,Nano
digitalmicrocontroller,
interfaces, and and
other components.
integrated These aretoresponsible
circuits dedicated cardiac signal foracquisition
receivingapplications.
data from the signal acquisi-
• tion
Control
block,block: this includes
performing signala heat sensor, antoArduino
processing calculateNanoheartmicrocontroller, and other
rate, and sending it to the
components. These are responsible for receiving data from
computer. Power supply management for the receiver block includes reading the the signal acquisition block,
performing
voltage valuesignal
of theprocessing to calculate
battery, checking theheart rate, and sending
temperature it to the
in the box, andcomputer.
switching off
Power supply management for the receiver block includes reading the voltage value
the power when the temperature approaches overheating.
of the battery, checking the temperature in the box, and switching off the power when
• Power supply block: this includes a battery, a charging circuit, and a buck-boost cir-
the temperature approaches overheating.
• cuit. Thesupply
Power task isblock:
to supply poweraaccording
this includes to the voltage
battery, a charging anda buck-boost
circuit, and current requirements
circuit.
forThe
thetask
signal acquisition block. In addition, the Li-Po battery
is to supply power according to the voltage and current requirements will be recharged
for thewhen
thesignal
status shows ablock.
acquisition low battery, withthethe
In addition, Li-PoArduino
batteryNano
will bemicrocontroller
recharged whenstill the con-
statusto
nected shows a low battery, with the Arduino Nano microcontroller still connected to
the computer.
• the computer.
Computer block: this is provided as a personal computer running on the Microsoft
• Windows
Computer block: thissystem.
operating is provided
The as a personal
role is to select computer runningmode
the working on the for
Microsoft
the control
Windows operating system. The role is to select the working mode for the control
block, to receive the signals and to write these to a file that combines the receiver
block, to receive the signals and to write these to a file that combines the receiver
information and stores it in an SQL database known as the Electronic Health Record
information and stores it in an SQL database known as the Electronic Health Record
(EHR),
(EHR), according to
according thefigure.
to the figure.Moreover,
Moreover, it isitnecessary
is necessary
to haveto have an interface
an interface to inter-
to interact
actwith
with users,
users, with
with C# C#
chosenchosen aslanguage
as the the language for interface
for interface programming.
programming.

Figure 1. 1.
Figure Block diagram
Block diagramof
ofthe
the system.
system.

2.2.2.2. HardwareConstruction
Hardware Construction and
and Arduino
ArduinoProgramming
Programming
2.2.1. Hardware Construction
2.2.1 Hardware construction
Using Solidwork software, a box and protective case have been designed for the circuit,
Using Solidwork
including software,
the charging port, USBa port,
box and
resetprotective caseswitch,
button, power have been
and 4designed
status LEDsfor to
the cir-
cuit, including the charging port, USB port, reset
show the power supply level, as shown in Figure 2. button, power switch, and 4 status LEDs
to show the power supply level, as shown in Figure 2.
2.2.2. Arduino Programming
Figure 4 is the main flowchart Arduino program that performs tasks when receiving
commands from the computer. This includes reading data from the ADS1293, managing
power to the ADS1293, and displaying the status. Since the data-ready pin of the ADS1293
connects to the external interrupt pin of the Arduino to ensure no data loss, an interrupt
handler program is required that will read data from the ADS1293 and send the data to the
computer. Three ADS1293s are connected to Arduino by using the SPI standard. Before
powering the ADS1293, it is necessary to check the source and temperature. The MOSFET
 Electronics
Electronics 2023, 12,12,
2023, 2389 PEER REVIEW
x FOR 4 of 16

Electronics 2023, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 17

will need a 2 s delay to ensure a stable voltage and to perform the configuration. The loop
(Figure 4) checks the corresponding commands sent from the computer.

Figure 2. Assembling of a two-part arrangement to form a complete box.

Figure 2. 2.
Figure Assembling
Assemblingof
ofaatwo-part arrangementtoto
two-part arrangement form
form a complete
a complete box.box.
The final product after assembling the box and cover is shown in Figure 3.
The finalproduct
product after
after assembling
assemblingthethebox and cover is shown in Figure 3. The3.size
ofThe
of the
final
theboxboxis is 6.2
6.2 cm cm
high,high,
8.5 cm8.5wide,
cm wide,
and
box
12 cm
and
and 12cover
cm
long. This
is shown
long.
box This
was
in Figure
box was
created
The size
created
using a a 3Dus
of the box is 6.2 cm high, 8.5 cm wide, and 12 cm long. This box was created using
printer.
3D printer.
printer.

Figure 3. The final appearance of the complete box.

Figure
Figure 3. The
3. The finalfinal appearance
appearance of the complete
of the complete box. box.
2.2.2 Arduino Programming
Calculation of heart rate is by the method of the first derivative. The heart rate is
2.2.2 Arduino
Figure 4based
calculated is the Programming
onmain flowchart Arduino
the Pan–Tompkins program
algorithm, which isthat
usedperforms
to detect tasks
the QRSwhen receiving
complex
commands Figure
in the ECG signal
from 4the
is the
[18]. main
The flowchart
operational
computer. Arduino
diagram
This includes of program
the peak
reading that
detection
data from theperforms
algorithm tasks
is shown
ADS1293, in when r
managing
Figure
commands
power 5, in which the
from the
to the ADS1293, Lead I of ECG
andcomputer. collected
displayingThis signal
includes
the status. is used for
Sincereading determining
data from
the data-ready the
pin of heart
thethe rate.
ADS1293,
ADS1293 m
connects
power
2.3. to
WPF to the external
the ADS1293,
Platform interrupt
Applicationand
Written pin of
displayingthe Arduino
the status.
in C# Language to ensure
to Build Since
Softwareno
the data loss,
on data-ready an
the Computer pin interrupt
of the A
handler
connectsprogram is required
to theisexternal that will
interrupt read data
pin6,of from the
the Arduino ADS1293
tofor and
ensure send
no data loss, to
the data an i
The database built as shown in Figure including two parts login management
theand
computer.
handler Three
program
information ADS1293s
is required
management. are connected
In thethat
loginwill to Arduino
read data
management by using
fromusers
section, the
the ADS1293 SPI standard. Be-
and asend the
will be allocated
fore powering andthe ADS1293, Eachitusername
is necessary to check
username
the computer. password.
Three ADS1293s arewill have
connected tothe
different source
rights
Arduino and temperature.
in system
by using the SPI The
operations. stand
MOSFET will need a 2issthe
The “tbl_permision” delay
tabletocontaining
ensure a stable voltage and
the permission to including
group, perform the configuration.
the following
fore powering the ADS1293, it is necessary to check the source and temperat
The loop (Figure
attributes: 4) checksgroup
the authority the corresponding
ID, the authority commands
group name, sentand
fromthethe computer.
authority group
MOSFETto
description will need athe
determine 2 srights
delayofto
theensure a stable voltage
user. Information and to
management perform
includes the config
patient
The loop (Figure
information, 4) checks
files including the corresponding
recording commands
time, notes, ID number sent from
of the recorder, the
and computer
other
information. Every file that is logged will have a path written to the database for retrieval
if needed.
Electronics 2023,Electronics
12, 2389 2023, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 16 5

Figure 4. Flowchart of Arduino Nano Main Program.

Calculation of heart rate is by the method of the first derivative. The heart rate is
calculated based on the Pan–Tompkins algorithm, which is used to detect the QRS com-
plex in the ECG signal [18]. The operational diagram of the peak detection algorithm is
shown in Figure 5, in which the Lead I of ECG collected signal is used for determining the
Figure Figureof4.Arduino
4. Flowchart
heart rate. Flowchart of Arduino
Nano Nano Main Program.
Main Program.

Calculation of heart rate is by the method of the first derivative. The heart ra
calculated based on the Pan–Tompkins algorithm, which is used to detect the QRS c
plex in the ECG signal [18]. The operational diagram of the peak detection algorithm
shown in Figure 5, in which the Lead I of ECG collected signal is used for determining
Figure 5.
Figure 5. Operation
Operation diagram of
heart rate.
diagram of the
the R
R peak
peak detects
detects algorithm.
algorithm.

2.4.
2.3. Run
WPFaPlatform
Full System Test
Application Written in C# Language to Build Software on the Computer
First, we use the designed
The database is built as shown hardware,
in Figurereceiving thetwo
6, including signal
partsfrom
for the
login SKX-2000
managementECG
signal simulator and
and information observing the
management. results
In the loginonmanagement
the computer. In addition,
section, the SKX-2000
users will ECG
be allocated a
signal simulator is an ECG Multiparameter Simulator that generates the standard ECG
signal, and weFigure
use5.this
Operation
signal diagram of the
to calibrate R peak
the ECGdetects
device. algorithm.
This standard ECG signal is
measured and displayed on the monitor. Based on the ECG signal, we can check all of the
ECG devices.2.3. WPF
Then, Platform
with Application
the aid Written
of a volunteer, an in C# Language
observation hastobeen
Buildmade
Software onsignal
of the the Computer
The database
received. The display is provided is built as three
of just shownleads,
in Figure 6, including
I, II and III, due totwo parts for login
a limitation of themanagem
screen but nevertheless gives the necessary ECG information (Figure
and information management. In the login management section, users will 7). However, one canbe allocat
 username and password. Each username will have different rights in system operations.
The “tbl_permision” is the table containing the permission group, including the following
Electronics 2023, 12, 2389 attributes: the authority group ID, the authority group name, and the authority group
6 of 16
description to determine the rights of the user. Information management includes patient
information, files including recording time, notes, ID number of the recorder, and other
information.
switch the leadEvery file thatthe
by selecting is logged willinhave
other lead a path menu
the pop-up written
ontothe
thesoftware
database
to for retrieval
display
if needed.
another ECG signal lead on the monitor.

Electronics 2023, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 17

Figure 6. Software database as defined in the system.
Figure 6. Software database as defined in the system.

2.4. Run a Full System Test

First, we use the designed hardware, receiving the signal from the SKX-2000 ECG
signal simulator and observing the results on the computer. In addition, the SKX-2000
ECG signal simulator is an ECG Multiparameter Simulator that generates the standard
ECG signal, and we use this signal to calibrate the ECG device. This standard ECG signal
is measured and displayed on the monitor. Based on the ECG signal, we can check all of
the ECG devices. Then, with the aid of a volunteer, an observation has been made of the
signal received. The display is provided of just three leads, I, II and III, due to a limitation
of the screen but nevertheless gives the necessary ECG information (Figure 7). However,
one can switch the lead by selecting the other lead in the pop-up menu on the software to
display another ECG signal lead on the monitor.

Figure 7. ECG signal collected using our constructed ECG device.

Figure 7. ECG signal collected using our constructed ECG device.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Results of Hardware Design and Construction
The detailed schematics of the acquisition circuit, control circuit, and power circuit
can be found in Appendix A–C, respectively (Figures A1–A3). Additionally, the PCB de-
 Figure 7. ECG signal collected using our constructed ECG device.
Electronics 2023, 12, 2389 7 of 16
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Results of Hardware Design and Construction
3. Results and Discussion
The detailed
3.1. Results schematics
of Hardware Designof
andthe acquisition circuit, control circuit, and power circ
Construction
can be found in Appendix A–C, respectively (Figures
The detailed schematics of the acquisition circuit, A1–A3).
control circuit,Additionally, the PCB d
and power circuit
signscan
forbeboth
foundthein top and bottom
Appendices view of these
A–C, respectively circuits
(Figures areAdditionally,
A1–A3). provided intheAppendix
PCB D
designs for both the top and bottom view of these circuits are provided in
(Figures A4–A6). Figure 8 shows the completed three circuits used for building the EC Appendices D–F
(Figures A4–A6). Figure 8 shows the completed three circuits used for building the ECG
device. Each circuit corresponds to a specific function: acquisition circuit (a), control c
device. Each circuit corresponds to a specific function: acquisition circuit (a), control circuit
cuit (b), andpower
(b), and power circuit
circuit (c). (c)

FigureFigure
8. Three
8. Three main
maincircuits
circuits ofof
thethe
ECGECG device:
device: Acquisition
Acquisition circuit (a), circuit (a), Control
Control circuit circuit (b), a
(b), and Power
Powercircuit
circuit
(c). (c).

Following the completion of the circuits shown in Figure 8, the assembled versions
Following the completion of the circuits shown in Figure 8, the assembled versio
of the acquisition circuit, control circuit, and power circuit are presented in Appendix G
of the(Figure
acquisition circuit, control
A7). Subsequently, circuit,
all the circuit and power
components circuit are
are carefully presented
placed inside thein Appendix
outer
(Figure A7).which
casing, Subsequently,
is depicted inallAppendix
the circuit components
H (Figure A8). Uponarecompleting
carefullythe
placed inside the ou
construction
process, as in Figure 9, re-calculation was made of the entire cost of
casing, which is depicted in Appendix H (Figure A8). Upon completing the constructiimplementation,
including components, labor, and the total cost for the project. The cost for the system
process, as in Figure 9, re-calculation was made of the entire cost of implementatio
hardware was 169 USD, excluding labor, accounting for some 80% of the expenditure for
hardware. The hardware cost consists of three ADS1293, being the highest cost items, the
Arduino Nano board, and other components.
First, to use the ECG device, one must register on the system. Entering the correct
username and password and pressing the “Log In” button, the user is then taken to the
next interface.

3.2. The Results of Signal Reception on the Human Body

Figure 12 is a screen showing volunteer results from leads I, II, and III, processed with
respect to the baseline and the low pass filter on C# software. As a result of the use of the
software, a review of the recorded data is available within 40 s. The signal has been filtered
for noise after passing the filters. The heart rate is also calculated with the value of 100, as
shown in Figure 12.
 hardware was 169 USD, excluding labor, accounting for some 80% of the expenditure for
hardware. The hardware cost
including consists of three
components, labor,ADS1293, beingcost
and the total the for
highest cost items,
the project. Thethe
cost for the system
Arduino Nano board, and other components.
hardware was 169 USD, excluding labor, accounting for some 80% of the expenditure fo
Electronics 2023, 12, 2389 hardware. The hardware cost consists of three ADS1293, being the highest cost items, the
8 of 16
Arduino Nano board, and other components.

Figure 9. Completed equipment and electrodes.

9. CompletedApplication
FigureWPF-Based
3.2. Results of Building equipment and electrodes.
Software on Computers
Figure 9. Completed equipment and electrodes.
The interfaces
3.3.designed
Results of for the required
Building WPF-Basedfunctionality are shown
Application Software in Figures 10 and
on Computers
11. 3.2. Results of Building WPF-Based Application Software onshown
The interfaces designed for the required functionality are in Figures 10 and 11.
Computers
The interfaces designed for the required functionality are shown in Figures 10 and
11.

Figure 10. Login interface to the

Figure 10. system.
Login interface to the system.

This compact 12-lead ECG signal acquisition device has been completed at a cost-
Figure 10. Login interface to the system.
effective price. The device allows for long-term data collection and monitoring of ECG
signals. Furthermore, the software system has been designed to display the waveform of
the ECG signal, further allowing for the storage and retrieval of patient heart disease data.
The system was tested on an ECG Multiparameter Simulator and collected actual data on
volunteers. However, the system has not yet been used to measure actual patients under
Electronics 2023, 12, 2389 9 of 16

Electronics
Electronics 2023,
2023, 12,
12, xx FOR
FOR PEER
PEER REVIEW
REVIEW 9 of 17 9 of 17
medical
supervision. In the future, we aim to test on actual patients and receive clinician
suggestions to improve the system.

Data logging interface.

Figure 11. Data
Figure interface.
Figure 11.
11. Data logging
logging interface.
The ECG prototype is designed to obtain ECG signals at a sampling rate of 200 Hz,
First, to
to use the ECG device, one must register on
on the
the system. Entering the
the correct
usingFirst,
a 10-bit use
ADC theand
ECG thedevice,
ADS1293 oneinput
mustwith
register
a bandwidth system.
of 40 Hz Entering correct
and a differential
username
username and
and password
password and
and pressing
pressing the
the “Log
“Log In”
In” button,
button, the
the user
user is
is then
then taken
taken to
to the
the
voltage range of ±400 mV at the input. The system is powered by a 2000 mAh Lithium
next
next interface.
interface.
Polymer battery, providing up to 12 h of operation time. Furthermore, the device is designed
for easy recharging using an external 5V DC voltage source via the micro-USB charging
3.3.
3.3. The Results
Results ofof Signal Reception on the
the Human Body
port.TheAdditionally, Signal Reception
the system has on
a DS18B20 Human Body
temperature sensor to provide for warning of
Figure 12
Figure 12When
overheating. is a screen
is a screen showing volunteer
showing volunteer
the temperature results
◦ C, thefrom
is over 50 results from
buzzer leads
leads I,
I, II,
is on. II, and
and III,
III, processed
Furthermore, processed
for any
with
with
sudden respect
respect
power to the
to failurebaseline
the baseline and
and
or other the low
the low
power pass filter
passthe
issues, filter on C#
on C#
system can software.
software. As a result
As areset
be instantly result of the
ofthe
via use
thereset
use
of
of
pushthe software,
thebutton.
software, a review
a review
A switch of the
of the
is also recorded
recorded
designed data
todata is available
is available
power within
within
off the device 40 s. The
40 s.not
when The signal
insignal has been
has been
use, saving the
filtered
battery.for
filtered for
The noise
noise
systemafter passing
afterdoes not the
passing the
havefilters.
filters. The
The heart
a mechanism heartto rate
rate is
is also
detect also calculated
calculated
electrode with
with the
the value
disconnection. value of
of
This
100,
100,
needs as
astoshown
shown in
in Figure
be observedFigure 12.
12. the signal displayed on the screen.
through

40
40

00

35
35

00

30
30
00
00 0.25
0.25 0.5
0.5 0.75
0.75 1.0
1.0 1.25
1.25 1.5
1.5 1.75
1.75

Figure
Figure 12.
12. ECG
ECG signal
ECG signal of
signal of leads
leads I,
I, II,
II, and
and III.
III.

This
This compact
compact 12-lead
12-lead ECG
ECG signal
signal acquisition
acquisition device
device has
has been
been completed
completed atat aa cost-
cost-
effective
effective price.
price. The
The device
device allows
allows for
for long-term
long-term data
data collection
collection and
and monitoring
monitoring ofof ECG
ECG
signals.
signals. Furthermore,
Furthermore, thethe software
software system
system has
has been
been designed
designed to
to display
display the
the waveform
waveform of of
the ECG signal, further allowing for the storage and retrieval of patient heart disease data.
the ECG signal, further allowing for the storage and retrieval of patient heart disease data.
 signed for easy recharging using an external 5V DC voltage source via the micro-USB
charging port. Additionally, the system has a DS18B20 temperature sensor to provide for
warning of overheating. When the temperature is over 50 0C, the buzzer is on. Further-
more, for any sudden power failure or other power issues, the system can be instantly
Electronics 2023, 12, 2389 reset via the reset push button. A switch is also designed to power off the device when not
10 of 16
in use, saving the battery. The system does not have a mechanism to detect electrode dis-
connection. This needs to be observed through the signal displayed on the screen.
A
A low-pass
low-pass filter
filter with
with aa cutoff
cutoff frequency
frequency of of 40
40 Hz
Hz is
is used
used toto remove
remove both
both powerline
powerline
interference and high-frequency noise in the ECG signal. Specifically,
interference and high-frequency noise in the ECG signal. Specifically, an FIR an FIR filter with
filter with a
Hamming window function and order of 161 is designed to remove
a Hamming window function and order of 161 is designed to remove high-frequency high-frequency noise.
Furthermore, the DC
noise. Furthermore, thenoise component
DC noise component is removed
is removed using
usinga acascaded
cascadedintegrator–comb
integrator–comb
(CIC)
(CIC) filter
filter (CIC
(CIC as
as aa moving
moving average
average filter)
filter) with
with aa delay
delay of
of DD ==5.
5.By
Byapplying
applyingthisthisfilter,
filter,
the
the obtained
obtained ECG ECG signal
signal contains
contains thethe only
only ECG
ECG signal
signal component
component with with low
low noise
noise and
and is is
displayed on the screen as well
displayed on the screen as well as stored as stored in the database.
By
By default,
default, due
due to to screen
screen limitation,
limitation, thethe ECG
ECG signals
signals that
that are
are displayed
displayed areare from
from thethe
three
three signal
signal leads
leads I,I, II,
II, and
and III.
III. Nevertheless,
Nevertheless, one one can
can easily
easily change
change thethe signal
signal channels
channels in in
order:
order: for
for instance,
instance, to to show
show the
the different
different leads
leads ofof the
the collected
collected ECG
ECG signal.
signal. The
The signals
signals can
can
also
also be
be selected
selected for
for playback,
playback, as shown in Figure 13.

10
0
̶ 20
20
0

̶ 40
25
0
̶ 2
35

0
̶
30
0
25
0

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5

Figure 13. The selected Leads V1 to V6 of the collected ECG signal, as shown on the screen.
Figure 13. The selected Leads V1 to V6 of the collected ECG signal, as shown on the screen.
4. Conclusions
We have designed and built a 12-lead ECG signal collection device connected with
WPF-based computer software written in C# to manage cardiac signals and patient informa-
tion. This is a compact device of low cost and weight, providing for rapid display of results
and offering the facility considerable ease in utilization. Further, testing is ongoing prior
to seeking medical device certification. In future work, making use of the proposed ECG
device within a remote heart disease diagnosis system is being considered. Specifically,
the measured ECG signal will be sent to the server, use subsequently being made of a
deep learning network heart disease classifier that has been designed to classify heart
disease remotely.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, T.-N.N.; methodology, T.-N.N. and T.-T.D.; software, T.-
N.N., H.O. and A.S.; writing—original draft preparation, T.-N.N., T.-T.D. and D.A.B.; writing—review
and editing, T.-N.N., H.O and T.-T.D. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of
the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Data Availability Statement: Data available on request from the authors.
Electronics 2023, 12, 2389 11 of 16

Acknowledgments: This work is supported by Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and
Education (HCMUTE).
Electronics 2023, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 17

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Appendix A

Figure A1. Schematic of the Acquisition circuit.

Figure A1. Schematic of the Acquisition circuit.
 Electronics2023,
Electronics 2023,12,
12,2389
x FOR PEER REVIEW 1312ofof 17
16

Appendix
Appendix BB

Figure A2. Schematic of the Control circuit.

Figure A2. Schematic of the Control circuit.
Electronics 2023,12,
Electronics2023, 12,2389
x FOR PEER REVIEW 1413
ofof1716

Appendix
AppendixCC

Figure A3. Schematic of the Power circuit.

Figure A3. Schematic of the Power circuit.
Electronics 2023, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 17

Electronics
Electronics 2023,
2023,
Electronics 12,12,
12,
2023, x FOR
2389x FORPEER
PEERREVIEW
REVIEW 15 of15 of 16
1417of 17

Appendix D
Appendix D
AppendixD
Appendix D

Figure
Figure
A4.
Figure
A4.
The
A4. PCB
The
The PCBdesign
PCB designfor
design for the
for
Acquisition
the Acquisition
circuit,both
Acquisitioncircuit,
both
circuit,both toptopand
topand
and bottom
bottom
bottom
view.
view.
view.
Figure A4. The PCB design for the Acquisition circuit, both top and bottom view.
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix EEE
Appendix E

Figure A5. The PCB design for the Control circuit, both top and bottom view.

Figure
Figure A5.A5.
The
Appendix The PCBdesign
F PCB designfor
forthe
theControl
Control circuit,
circuit, both
both top
topand
andbottom
bottomview.
view.
Figure A5. The PCB design for the Control circuit, both top and bottom view.
AppendixFFF
Appendix
Appendix

Figure A6. The PCB design of the Power circuit.

FigureA6.
Figure A6.The
ThePCB
PCBdesign
designof
ofthe
thePower
Powercircuit.
circuit.
Figure A6. The PCB design of the Power circuit.
 , 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 16 of 17

nics 2023, 12, x FOR PEER

Electronics 2023,REVIEW
12, 2389 16 of 17 15 of 16
Appendix G

Appendix G Appendix G

Figure A7. Assembled Acquisition circuit, Control circuit, and Power circuit.
Figure A7. Assembled Acquisition
Figure A7. circuit,
Assembled Control circuit,
Acquisition and Power
circuit, Control circuit.
circuit, and Power circuit.
Appendix H
Appendix H Appendix H

Figure A8. Fitting of the various circuit components into the outer casing.
Figure A8. Fitting of the various
Figure circuit
A8. Fitting components
of the into
various circuit the outer casing.
components into the outer casing.

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