biosignal acquisition tool-kit for advanced research applications

Electromyography (EMG) Sensor User ManualElectromyography (EMG)
User Manual

ATTENTION
Please read this datasheet before
using your biosignalsplux sensor

The information contained in this document has been carefully checked and were made every effort
to ensure its quality. PLUX reserves the right to make changes and improvements to this manual andproducts referenced at any time without notice.
The word Bluetooth and its logo are trademarks of Bluetooth SIG Inc. and any use of such marks isunder license. Other trademarks are the property of their respective own.
Please check your systems and sensors after receiving and before using it the first time to confirm if it
contains all the ordered sensors, accessories and other components. Contact our support via e-mail at
support@plux.info if there are any variations from your original order.
For regulatory information, please see the Regulatory Disclaimer at the end of this document.

PLUX – Wireless Biosignals, S.A.
Av. 5 de Outubro, n. 70 – 2.
1050-059 Lisbon, Portugal
plux@plux.info
http://biosignalsplux.com/
v.1.0© 2020 PLUXThis information is provided "as is," and we make no express or implied warranties whatsoever with respect to functionality, operability, use, fitness for aparticular purpose, or infringement of rights. We expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect, consequential, incidental or special
damages, including, without limitation, lost revenues, lost profits, losses resulting from business interruption or loss of data, regardless of the form of action orlegal theory under which the liability may be asserted, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

Electromyography (EMG)
User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.

General Information ............................................................................................................. 4
1.1. General Description ........................................................................................................... 4
1.2. Typical Unfiltered Sensor Output........................................................................................ 4
1.3. Sensor Specifications ......................................................................................................... 5
1.4. Features ............................................................................................................................ 5
1.5. Applications....................................................................................................................... 5
1.6. Transfer Function (Conversion Formula) ............................................................................. 5
1.7. Electrode Connections & Sleeve Color Meanings................................................................. 5
1.8. Physical Characteristics ...................................................................................................... 6

2. Sensor Application Notes .......................................................................................................... 7
3. Using the Electromyography (EMG) Sensor with biosignalsplux & OpenSignals .......................... 93.1. Connecting the sensor to biosignalsplux Systems ................................................................ 9
3.1.1. biosignalsplux 4-Channel Hubs ............................................................................................. 9
3.1.2. biosignalsplux 8-Channel Hubs ............................................................................................. 9
3.1.3. biosignalsplux Solo & Single-Channel openBAN Devices ................................................... 10
3.2. Configuring the Sensor in OpenSignals.............................................................................. 11
3.2.1. OpenSignals (r)evolution (Windows, macOS, Linux) .......................................................... 11
4. Technical Notes ...................................................................................................................... 13
5. Scientific Publications Using the Electromyography (EMG) Sensor ............................................ 14
6. Safety & Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 15
6.1. Safety Instructions ........................................................................................................... 15
6.2. Transportation and Storage.............................................................................................. 16
6.3. Cleaning .......................................................................................................................... 16
7. Ordering Guides, Regulatory & Legal Information .................................................................... 17
7.1. Ordering Guide ................................................................................................................ 17
7.2. Guarantee of Quality & Warranty..................................................................................... 177.3. Warranty Voidance .......................................................................................................... 177.4. Contact & Support ........................................................................................................... 177.5. Regulatory Disclaimer ...................................................................................................... 18

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1. General Information
1.1. General Description
The biosignalsplux Electromyography (EMG) is designed to monitor muscular activity even in the mostextreme conditions. The bipolar configuration is ideal for uncompromised low-noise data acquisition,and the raw data output provides medical-grade data enabling it to be used for advanced and highly
accurate biomedical, biomechanics, and sports research, among many other possible applications.
Together with our available EMG Analysis and Muscle Load Analysis add-ons for our OpenSignals(r)evolution software, one can easily extract statistical temporal and spectral parameters for further
analysis of the acquired sensor data.

Figure 1: biosignalsplux Electromyography (EMG) sensor (standard version).

1.2. Typical Unfiltered Sensor Output
Figure 2 shows a typical unfiltered EMG sensor output acquired along the muscle of the biceps while
two muscular contractions are performed over a time of 10 seconds. The raw digital sensor values
received from the biosignalsplux device ranged between 0 and 2n-1 (n=sampling resolution) wereconverted into the original unit of measurement of this sensor (mV) using the transfer function foundin section Transfer Function (Conversion Formula).

Figure 2: Typical unfiltered sensor output (signal acquired from the biceps while two contractions are performed).

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1.3. Sensor Specifications> Gain:> Bandwidth:> Input Impedance:

1007
25-500Hz>100GOhm> Range:> Consumption:> CMRR:±1.49mV (@ VCC = 3V)
̴1mA
100dB

1.4. Features> Bipolar differential measurement> High signal-to-noise ratio> Medical-grade raw data output> Unobtrusive & lightweight sensor> Pre-conditioned analog output> Ready-to-use form factor

1.5. Applications> Life sciences studies> Biomedical Research> Human-Computer Interaction> Robotics & Cybernetics> Physiology studies> Biomedical device prototyping> Psychophysiology> Biomechanics> Ergonomics

1.6. Transfer Function (Conversion Formula)
The analog sensor signals acquired with biosignalsplux devices are converted into digital values ranged
between 0 and 2n-1 (n=sampling resolution, usually 8-bit or 16-bit) and streamed in the raw digitalformat.
In most applications, the original physical unit of the acquired EMG signal is preferred or required. The
raw digital sensor samples can be converted back into millivolt (mV) using the following formulas:
𝐴𝐷𝐶 1( 𝑛 − ) × 𝑉𝐶𝐶
2
𝐸𝑀𝐺(𝑉) = 2
𝐺𝐸𝑀𝐺
𝐸𝑀𝐺(𝑚𝑉) = 𝐸𝑀𝐺(𝑉) × 1000

(1)
(2)

Valid sensor range: [-1.49mV, 1.49mV]
with:

𝐸𝑀𝐺(𝑉)
𝐸𝑀𝐺(𝑚𝑉)
𝐴𝐷𝐶
𝑛
𝑉𝐶𝐶
𝐺𝐸𝑀𝐺

EMG signal in Volt (V)EMG signal in milli-Volt (mV)Value samples from the sensor/channel (raw digital value)
Sampling resolution (default: 16-bit resolution (n=16), although 12-bit and8-bit may also be found in older versions)Operating voltage (3V when used with biosignalsplux)
Sensor gain (1007)

1.7. Electrode Connections & Sleeve Color Meanings
Sleeve Color
Electrode Cable

Red
+

Black
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See Section 2 for more information on where to place the electrodes and to connect electrodes cables
for EMG acquisitions.

1.8. Physical Characteristics> W1 x L1 x H1:
> W3:
> A1:
> A3:
> Available sleeve colors:

1.6x2.2x0.5cm> W2 x L2 x H2:
1.5x1.75x0.55cm
0.9cm
> L3:
0.5cm
105.0±0.5cm> A2:
5.0±0.5cm
2.5±0.5cm
> D:
0.4cm
White, Black, Blue, Green, Red, Yellow, Gray, and Brown

Figure 3: Physical characteristics of the standard Electromyography (EMG) sensor.

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2. Sensor Application Notes
The biosignalsplux EMG is designed to acquire muscular activity along a muscle fibre of interest.
Muscle activations are triggered by bioelectrical signals of very low amplitude sent from motor control
neurons on our brain to the muscle fibres. Electromyography (EMG) enables the translation of theseelectrical signals into numerical values, enabling them to be used in a wide array of applications.
The two measuring electrodes must be placed along the muscle fibre and on the muscle hill. The
reference electrode must be placed in a region of low muscular activity, optimally on a bone such as
the elbow or the clavicle.
An example is the measurement of the muscular activity of the muscle biceps brachii (see muscle
highlighted in red in Figure 4). The electrode positioning for this muscle is shown in Figure 4 in which
the two measuring electrodes are placed on the muscle and the reference electrode on the bone.

Figure 4: Electrode positioning (I) to measure signals from the muscle biceps brachii (marked in red).

Possible electrode positions are listed in Table 1. The positive and the negative measuring electrodes
can be positioned in either way but along the muscle fibre and on the muscle belly. The referenceelectrode must always be positioned on a bone.
Table 1: Possible electrode positions.

I
II

Positive Electrode (+)(red sleeve)
Muscle position 1
Muscle position 2

Negative Electrode (-)(black sleeve)
Muscle position 2
Muscle position 1

Reference Electrode(white sleeve)
Bone
Bone

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The muscular contraction of the biceps brachii can be performed by flexion of the elbow andsupination of the forearm (see Figure 5).

Figure 5: Muscular contraction of the muscle biceps brachii (marked in red) while performing flexion of the elbow, forearmin supination.

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3. Using the Electromyography (EMG) Sensor with biosignalsplux &OpenSignals
3.1. Connecting the sensor to biosignalsplux Systems
3.1.1. biosignalsplux 4-Channel Hubs
The biosignalsplux EMG sensor is compatible with all 4 analog input channels of the 4-channel
biosignalsplux hub, but incompatible with the reference/ground port. Connect the sensor to an analog
input to use it with this device.

Figure 6: EMG compatible biosignalsplux channels (green checkmarks).

3.1.2. biosignalsplux 8-Channel Hubs
The biosignalsplux EMG sensor is compatible with all 8 analog input channels of the 8-channel
biosignalsplux hub, but incompatible with the reference/ground and digital I/O ports. Connect thesensor to an analog input to use it with this device.

Figure 7: EMG compatible biosignalsplux channels (green checkmarks).

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3.1.3. biosignalsplux Solo & Single-Channel openBAN Devices
The biosignalsplux EMG sensor is compatible with the analog input channel of the biosignalsplux Solo
(openBAN) device. Connect the sensor to the analog input channel to use it with this device.

Figure 8: Connect the EMG to the analog input channel of the biosignalsplux Solo (openBAN).

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3.2. Configuring the Sensor in OpenSignals
3.2.1. OpenSignals (r)evolution (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Open the OpenSignals (r)evolution device manager to access and configure your biosignalsplux device.

Figure 9: Access the OpenSignals (r)evolution device manager.

Select the device you intend to use for acquisition by clicking on ENABLE button on the device panel in
the OpenSignals device manager. The device is activated for acquisition if the ENABLE button is blue.

Figure 10: Enabling the device for acquisition.

Click on the biosignalsplux logo to access the available settings. Select the channel your sensor isconnected to and select the EMG from the dropdown menu highlighted in the next screenshot.

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Figure 11: Set the channel type of the channel you have your EMG sensor connected to, to EMG.

Activate the channel for acquisition by clicking on the circle next to the channel type (must be blue). If
not done before, follow the instruction available in section 2 Application Notes to learn how to apply
the sensors and 3.1 Connecting the sensor to biosignalsplux Systems to learn how to connect yourdevice to your biosignalsplux device. Click on the record button in the OpenSignals main interface
whenever you’re ready for your acquisition.

Figure 12: Start the acquisition whenever you’re ready.

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4. Technical Notes
The biosignalsplux technical notes aim to provide technical in-depth information about the different
applications in which the EMG sensor can be applied. Find below a list of the available technical notes
and the links to the respective documents.
EMG Sensor Facial – a technical note on how to apply the EMG sensor on facial muscles such as the
buccinator muscle.

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5. Scientific Publications Using the Electromyography (EMG) Sensor
The following scientific is only a small selection extracted from the list of available publications usingbiosignalsplux. Please visit the following website to access the entire up-to-date list:
https://biosignalsplux.com/learn/publications.html
Publications
D. Silva, R. Macedo, A. Montes, R. Santos, J. Vilas-Boas, A. Sousa, "Does the cleat model interfere withankle sprain risk factors in artifical grass?", in Clinical Biomechanics, vol. 63, pp. 119-126, 2019
A. Conceição, A. Silva, T. Barbosa, J. Campaniço, A. Costa, H. Louro, "Neuromuscular and motor
patterns in breaststroke technique", in Revista Brasileira de Cineantropmetria & Desempenho
Humano, 2019
L. Costa e Silva, A. Silva, J. Teles, I. Fragoso, "Influence of physical activity intensity and maturation ininjury profile on youth", in Annals of Medicine , 2019
A. Conçeição, V. Milheiro, P. Sobreiro, M. Espada, H. Louro, "Muscle Activity Relationship Between
Bicycle Geometric Parameters", in STRONG, vol. 15, pp. 130, 2019
I. Dias, L. Godinho, M. Pinho, G. de Sá, J. Sousa, Â. Pereira, "Participation of the agonsit and antagonist
knee extenso muscles in drop kick, placing kick and up and under kick, in rugby athletes", in Annals of
Medicine , vol. 51, no. 1, pp. 2017, 2019
I. Valente, "Stiffness, coativação do antagonista e estabilidade postural em apoio uniodálico em
indivíduos com instabilidade crónica do tornozelo", Master Thesis, 2018
A. Pereira, D. Folgado, R. Cotrim, I. Sousa, "Physiotherapy Exercises Evaluation using a Combined
Approach based on sEMG and Wearable Inertial Sensors", in Proceedings of the 12th International
Conference on Bio-inspired Systems and Signal Processing, 2019
J. Yepes, M. Portela, A. Saldarriaga, V. Pérez, M. Betancur, "Myoelectric control algorithm for robotassisted therapy: a hardware-in-the-loop simulation study", in BioMedical Engineering OnLine, vol. 18,
no. 3, pp. 1-28, 2019
D. Batista, H. Silva, A. Fred, C. Moreira, M. Reis, H. Ferreira, "Benchmarking of the BITalino biomedical
toolkit against an established gold standard", in Healthcare Technology Letters, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 3236, 2019
O. Ribeiro, "Identificação de variáveis biomecânicas para a caracterização do tónus em indivídious após
acidente vascular cerebral: tónus muscular vs. Postural", Master Thesis, 201814 of 19

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6. Safety & Maintenance6.1. Safety Instructions
Please read the following safety instructions before using your biosignalsplux system with the EMG
sensor to prevent any damages or problems with the user, test persons and/or biosignalsplux devices.
Violations of these instructions can lead to inferior signal quality and/or damages to the biosignalsplux
system and user.
!

The user should always keep the device and its accessories dry.

!

The user must turn off the biosignalsplux device and contact Technical Support if the system oraccessories reach uncomfortable temperatures.

!

The user should not use the biosignalsplux device in noisy environments (environments withmicrowaves and other similar equipment). Doing so will lead to noise increase in the acquired
signals and Bluetooth connectivity issues.

!

The user must not use the device near the fire or in potentially explosive atmospheres, such asatmospheres with flammable gas.

!

The user should only use the detection surfaces or other approved accessories purchased fromPLUX or by a PLUX agent.

!

The user should inspect the sensors on a regular basis to ensure that they remain in goodworking order.

!

The user should stop using the biosignalsplux device if experience any kind of discomfort orskin irritation.

!

Do not use the system on persons with allergies to silver.

!

The user should dispose detection surfaces after using the biosignalsplux device. Detection surfaces are single-user and disposable. Reusable electrodes should be reused by the same user.
Do not use reusable electrodes on several users.

!

The user must not place the device in the microwave.

!

The user must not insert objects into the holes of the device.

!

The user should not open the biosignalsplux device or its accessories. The repair of the sameshould be only done by properly authorized PLUX personnel.

!

The user should make sure the cables do not obstruct the passage of people.

!

The user should use the sensor cables with extreme caution to avoid risk of strangulation.

!

The user should keep a safe distance between the biosignalsplux device and other devices toensure their proper functioning.

!

The user should only send the device to repair to qualified PLUX personnel.
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The user should not immerse the sensors or the biosignalsplux device, nor clean with liquid orabrasives.

!

The user should handle the biosignalsplux device with caution and not expose the device oraccessories to high accelerations and vibrations.

!

biosignalsplux devices should not be used in patients with implanted electronic devices of any
kind, including pace-makers, electronic infusion pumps, stimulators, defibrillators or similar.

!

Do not apply electrodes over damaged or irritated skin.

!

Do not use your device while charging its internal battery.

6.2. Transportation and Storage
Please follow these recommendations to ensure safe transportation and storage of your biosignalsplux
equipment and sensors to prevent any damaging of your system.
The biosignalsplux equipment and sensors should be stored in the original box in a dry place whenthose are not being used.
•••

Relative humidity: up to 95% with no condensation
Ambient temperature: 10°C to 30°C
Atmospheric pressure between 500hPa and 1060hPa

Whenever the equipment needs to be transported, it should be placed in the original box, since thiswas designed and tested to ensure the equipment and accessories are securely stored.
Take care while handling the transportation of the system and avoid dropping it, since the device is
not shock-proof and should not be placed under stress or sudden acceleration.

6.3. Cleaning
Please follow these cleaning instructions to prevent any damage of the system or the user because of
conducting cleaning methods that may cause any damage.
•The biosignalsplux and sensors should be visually checked before each use and cleaning
process to ensure that no mechanical damage occurred.

•

The biosignalsplux equipment and sensors (including the cables) should be cleaned with aslightly damp cloth or suitable absorbent paper, ensuring no liquid enters the equipment ofsensors. Do not use detergent or any type of cleaning liquid as these may damage yourequipment and/or sensor.

•

Do not clean or re-use detection surfaces (electrodes). They are only suitable for single use,and should be disposed of after usage except indicated otherwise.

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7. Ordering Guides, Regulatory & Legal Information
7.1. Ordering Guide
Please follow the following ordering guide when submitting orders of EMG sensors toorders@plux.info. If no specification is provided, the standard version of the sensor will be delivered.
Electromyography (EMG) Sensor
SKU Reference
PLUX CodeSENPRO-EMG1
820201201
Description
Muscle activity measurement

UPC
641945696264

Electrodes & Accessories
For a full list of available and compatible electrodes, please visit the biosignalsplux store.

7.2. Guarantee of Quality & Warranty
biosignalsplux sensors have three months quality guarantee from the date of purchase. PLUX
guarantees that the system, sensors and accessories will be free from material or manufacturing
defects for the mentioned time periods following date of purchase.
If PLUX receives notification of any such defects within the guarantee period, it will repair or substitutewith the same unit\model, any products with proven defects at no cost to the client. During the repair
period PLUX promises to provide a temporary replacement under the same specification. Repairs will
be carried out at PLUX’s premises after the equipment has been received.

7.3. Warranty Voidance
Usage of the device that is not in accordance with the handling instructions indicated in the manual,or use with accessories other than those manufactured by PLUX will invalidate the warranty of yourdevices.
Be careful when connecting your biosignalsplux devices, sensors and/or accessories to any third party
device including the usage of the 3rd party connection components that are available forbiosignalsplux systems as the usage of these components will void the electrical warranty of yourbiosignalsplux device and sensors and, if not indicated otherwise, the warranty of the 3rd party
system you’re connecting to the device. Check the electrical specifications of both systems you wantto connect to prevent any damage of the user(s) or the systems.
In the case of warranty voidance, the same applies that we expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever
for any direct, indirect, consequential, incidental or special damages, including, without limitation, lost
revenues, lost profits, losses resulting from business interruption or loss of data, regardless of the formof action or legal theory under which the liability may be asserted, even if advised of the possibility ofsuch damages.

7.4. Contact & Support
Contact us if you are experiencing any problems that cannot be solved with the information given in
the biosignalsplux documentation.
Please send us an e-mail with precise information about the error occurrence, device configuration,
and, if possible, screenshots of the problem to support@plux.info.

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7.5. Regulatory Disclaimer
biosignalsplux products are intended for use in life science education and research applications; they
are not medical devices nor are they intended for medical diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or
prevention of disease. we expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect,
consequential, incidental or special damages, including, without limitation, lost revenues, lost profits,losses resulting from business interruption or loss of data, regardless of the form of action or legal
theory under which the liability may be asserted, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

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PLUX Wireless Biosignals S.A.
email: plux@plux.info
web: http://www.plux.info
Headquarters
Zona Industrial das Corredouras, Lt. 14 – 1°
2630-369 Arruda dos Vinhos
Portugaltel.: +351 263 978 572
fax: +351 263 978 902
Lisbon Office
Av. 5 de Outubro, n° 79 – 2°1050-059 Lisboa
Portugaltel.: +351 211 956 542
fax: +351 211 956 546

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