A Prototype of a remotely controlled multichannel surface muscle stimulator

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Published: Mar 12, 2025
Updated: 2025-03-12
Versions:
2025-03-12 (2)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17163/ings.n33.2025.04
Keywords:
Multichannel Electrical Stimulator, Muscle Stimulator, Functional Electrical Stimulation

Main Article Content

P. Silverio-Cevallos
Universidad Politécnica Salesiana
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5712-4699
J.
Universidad Politécnica Salesiana
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5914-7116
D. A. Molina-Vidal
Universidad Federal de Río de Janeiro
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4420-4585
C. J. Tierra-Criollo
Universidad Federal de Río de Janeiro
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4880-9186
P. Cevallos-Larrea
Universidad Politécnica Salesiana
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9530-9662

Abstract

Multichannel Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) technology is widely employed in artificial motor control research. This study presents the design and evaluation of a four-channel, remotely controlled surface electrical muscle stimulator prototype. The prototype introduces a modern alternative for the control block, employing a Wi-Fi-enabled solution based on the ESP32 microcontroller. This controller enables remote configuration of activation sequences for individual channels and supports extensive customization of parameters for a biphasic waveform stimulus. The current signal is demultiplexed into four outputs. Additionally, this study provides a detailed functional evaluation of the amplification stage and examines the load-dependent limitations of the output current magnitude. Preliminary experimental testing demonstrates the prototype's ability to generate controlled stimulation sequences in hand muscles. The prototype's functional and experimental performance suggests its potential application in artificial motor control research.

Article Details

Issue
No. 33 (2025): january-june
Section
Scientific Paper
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Author Biographies

D. A. Molina-Vidal, Universidad Federal de Río de Janeiro

I am an Electronic Engineer (Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Ecuador) with specialization in industrial systems and development of electronic solutions. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, which has allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills in this interdisciplinary field. I have gained extensive experience through my participation in the Biomedical Engineering Research Group (GIIB - UPS) and in the Image and Signal Processing Laboratory (LAPIS - UFRJ), where I have contributed to the development of electromedical technology.

C. J. Tierra-Criollo, Universidad Federal de Río de Janeiro

He graduated in Electronic Engineering - Escuela Politécnica Del Ejército-Quito (1986), Master (1993) and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2001). He was associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. He is currently an associate professor at the Alberto Luiz Coimbra Graduate Institute of Engineering Research (Coppe) of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. He has experience in Biomedical Engineering, working mainly on the following topics: biomedical instrumentation, biological signal processing, neurosciences, neural engineering, motor imaging, brain-machine interfaces, evoked potentials, assistive technologies.

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