Holst Centre, imec and Panasonic Present Wireless Low-Power Active-Electrode EEG Headset

Holst Centre, imec and Panasonic have developed a new prototype of a wireless EEG (electroencephalogram) headset. The system combines ease-of-use with ultra-low power electronics. Continuous impedance monitoring and the use of active electrodes increase the quality of EEG signal recording compared to former versions of the system. The data are transmitted in real-time to a receiver located up to 10m from the system. The realization of this prototype is a next step toward reliable high-quality wearable EEG monitoring systems.

The system integrates circuit level components including imec’s active electrodes and EEG amplifier together with a microcontroller and a low power radio. The system is integrated into an EEG headset with dry electrodes, which enables EEG recordings with minimal set-up time. The small size of the electronics system, measuring only 35mm x 30mm x 5mm (excl battery), allows easy integration in any other product.

Industry can get access to the technology for intelligent body area networks with wireless sensors, such as this EEG, by joining Holst Centre’s Body Area Networks program as research partner or by licensing agreements for further product development. Within the Body Area Networks program, imec and Holst Centre develop solutions for an efficient and better healthcare.