A year ago we wrote about a new electric potential sensor that, because of its sensitivity, may radically change the nature of various medical devices.

Developed by Plessey Semiconductors, an old but new British firm, the EPIC sensor can measure very slight changes in the electric field around it and doesn’t require gels or substrates to enhance signal transmission, very useful for ECG, EMG, and EEG applications. At a distance, the sensor can detect arm gestures and body movement, also potentially useful for patient monitoring.

Though Plessey is normally in the business of supplying electronic components to manufacturers, this time it decided to make its own ECG using the EPIC sensor. Its new imPulse device reads anyone’s cardiac signals via the two EPIC thumb pads and uses Bluetooth to interface with smartphones and tablets to provide instant ECG readout. Because of its low energy consumption, the imPulse is promised to work for months without requiring battery changes.

From the company:

The new imPulse from Plessey Semiconductors is a ‘Home Health’ ECG monitor reference design and demonstration unit. Utilising Plessey’s disruptive electric potential sensing technology to detect an ECG signal from the thumbs using a dry capacitive contact with no skin preparation. The signal is transmitted via Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet computer and displays the ECG trace along with heart rate readout.

Here’s a company video talking in-depth about the EPIC sensor platform:

Announcement: Plessey to launch ECG monitor at Electronica

Link: EPIC sensor info page…

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