Brain signals acquired from the use of a modular

encephalograph for digital processing and BCI

application
Evelyn Diana Tern Meja

Edwin Christian Bolvar Vilca

Facultad Nacional de Ingeniera

Universidad Tcnica de Oruro
Oruro, Bolivia

Facultad de Produccin y Servicios

Universidad Nacional de San Agustn
Arequipa, Peru

Abstract The instruments BCI (brain-computer interface),

are currently breaking into the vast horizon of bioengineering,
helping people with brain deficiencies, most of the time the only
way they have to communicate. The main objective is to acquire
brain signals to achieve an interface capable of receiving a
response from the computer; and to control a robotic arm. This
paper provides a description of brain signals: beta, alpha, theta
and delta, also implements a modular electroencephalograph:
analog and digital. With this type of construction the electrodes
captures correctly the EEG signals (electroencephalograph),
with an amplification between 1V-3V. Signals are sent to the
computer for processing, and perform a storage system,
identifying standards.If we receive alpha signal, with this
program the signal is identified, procesed and compared, if it
reaches more than 50% similarity dispatched response. This is
where autoregressive parameters for best signal processing is
used.

Brain signals
To obtain the signals produced by the brain we need to
stablish the nature and the magnitudes as corresponding
frequencies.
The action potential (also known as "push", "pin" or
"spike") is a burst of electrical activity created by a
depolarizing current and indicates that an event occurs when
the neuron transmits information down the axon away from the
cell body.

Index Terms Acquisition, analysis, BCI, EEG, electrodes,

interface.

I. INTRODUCTION
Fig 1. Brain signal acquisition

This work is born from the dream of being able to

communicate only with thoughts.
First of all we need to acquire these brain signals. With
reference from papers we added the analysis of signals using
Matlab for study, analysis and future employment applications
noninvasive BCI systems.
For better understanding for the operation of the EEG,
should clarify some concepts [1].
Brain
The human brain is a very powerful machine that contains
100 billion neurons. They are active at night; while the rest of
the body slows down reaching minimum times during sleep;
the brain increases its activity even more than when man is
awake. The activity in times of watch and dream takes place in
different brain areas.

If the neuron does not reach this critical threshold, the

action potential will occur, it should be noted that when the
threshold is reached, always a potential standard action, for
every neuron given the action potential is always the same
occurs. This is caused by ion exchange.
When they get signals from the sensors are low frequency
and inherently non-stationary, noises, which are usually higher
frequency signals or pathological signs such as epileptic foci.
EEG activity contains a variety of different rhythms identified
by their frequency, location, electrical potentials and other
aspects of brain function.
Electroencephalogram
An electroencephalogram (EEG) helps detect abnormalities
in brain activity by measuring electrical signals produced by
the brain. The procedure involves placing electrodes with thin
wires that attach to the scalp. The electrodes detect small
electrical charges that result from the activity of brain cells.

The acquired signals are amplified and displayed as a graph on

a computer screen which can then be read and interpreted by a
physician.
The coordinated activity of many neurons produce potential
differences on the scalp using electrodes that are registered,
they can be preferably doctors or electrodes may also be
manufactured, these electrodes in combination with
instrumentation amplifiers, such as the INA 114 chip, and the
respective filter can capture these small signals. Placing a
series of electrodes distributed on the head we can get an idea
what areas of the brain greater activity occurs.
The frequencies of these waves depend on the degree of
activity of the cerebral cortex. As an example, the frequency
and amplitude of these waves change between periods of watch
and dream. Most of the time the brain waves are irregular. But
under certain circumstances, fail to observe certain patterns
that characterize abnormalities such as epilepsy (it is estimated
that 4% of the world population ever in your life suffered a
seizure). There are generally 4 types of signals [2].
Beta Signals: normally between the frequency range of 1430Hz and at times of intense activity reach 50 Hz These waves
occur when people are alert or anxious with open eyes, are
presented in the parietal and frontal region.
Alpha signals: They occur at a frequency between 7.5 and
13 Hz alpha waves are produced when a person is conscious,
relaxed with closed eyes. Alphas signals end when the person
opens his eyes. The amplitude of these waves is larger and
significant in the occipital region. But it could be better
acquired in the frontal and parietal regions of the skull.
Theta Signals: great amplitude and low frequency between
3.5-7.5 Hz This signal is abnormal if it occurs in adults is alert;
but it is normal if seen in adults and young children. The Theta
waves occur in the parietal and temporal regions.
Delta Signals: They have the longest range and frequency is
less than 3.5 Hz is normal for children under 1 year and adults
in deep sleep. Such waves typically occur in the cortex
regardless of activity on the lower region of the brain.

Fig 2. Brain signal

This paper is organized as follows. In section 2, the content

development is explained, in the preparation of technical work
and a test signal recording on 2 system users. Reference section

3 each of the stages of the system architecture, using a block

diagram. In section 4 the experimental results are shown.
Section 5, are the conclusions to which they came, mentioning
future work.
II. DEVELOPMENT OF CONTENTS
PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL WORK
According to the technical specifications of some EEG
equipment is determined [3]:
1) Number of channels: The number of input signals. The
most widely used system for monitoring EEG signals is 10-20
system of the International Federation which indicates that the
required number of channels is 8.
2) High sensitivity: The minimum signal amplitude that can
be registrada.Tomando note that the maximum amplitude of
the signals is 200 uV peak to peak and the ADC is 256 levels.
The value of the sensitivity is 0.8uV/nivel, this level should be
amplified
3) Maximum Gain: The ratio between the activity picked
up by the electrodes and the values acquired by the EEG.
4) Input impedance: Its value indicates the connection
between the electrodes and the scalp. The input impedance of
the device must be high and signal capture
5) Gain: Is chosen for the amplification step value
6) Bandwidth: Usually takes continuous 150 Hz, but in this
case it took 250 Hz To get full information
7) Power supply: The main source of noise is obtained from
the power lines, which emit signals oscillations.
REGISTRATION TEST SIGNAL
Registration of signals we gave due importance and
evidence acquisition signals we conducted in an adult during
sleep and while awake, plus a second test in a child while
sleeping. To have different signals and thereby obtain their
respective characteristics.

Fig 3. Block diagram of the modules

Electrodes [4]: The bioelectric signals from the brain

activity is transmitted via ion in aqueous solutions, and that
these signals then recorded in units with solid conductors, the

electrodes are the interface between these two systems.

In this work, the electrodes were built with a small circuit
with an approximate size of 2x2cm and are the active type,
this means that the circuit includes a OPAMP TL082 in
follower configuration, this configuration is optimal, because
it has low output impedance and high input impedance. It is
important that the electrodes make good contact with the skin,
this was taken into account for the construction of the
electrodes.

eyes).
It is important to choose a reference electrode and therefore
the reference signal indicating the value of the comparison
signal, in this case used as a reference electrode on the right
leg.
Amplification stage: For the correct acquisition of the EEG
signal is required to construct a bio-amplifier that conditions
the signal and amplify the signals while eliminating external
interference.
Filtering step: Once amplified signal electrodes, it is
necessary to filter to eliminate noise signal, the frequency of
the signals we are interested in purchasing is low, therefore I
implement pass filter - low third order with cutoff frequency
Fc = 59Hz [7]. In certain circumstances it is better to keep the
original signal without filtering to avoid losing information,
which was made in some tests shown below.

Fig. 4 Side view of the electrodes prepared

Fig 7. Positioning electrodes, filtering and amplification stages

Fig. 5 Front view

Module 2: Digitization and communication

The digitization and communication circuit is built based
on the PIC18F2550 microcontroller [8], which includes an 8bit ADC converter resolution and internal USB
communications module.
The analog circuit signal is digitized by the ADC converter,
then the logic programmed into the microcontroller is sending
information through the USB port to a PC for better analysis.
To view the data converted by the 18F4550 microcontroller
in real time on a scheduled LabVIEW interface is used, the
communication with the microcontroller is made possible
thanks to the drivers provided by Microchip, this interface
provides interactivity to the system. [9].
III. TESTS AND RESULTS

Fig. 6 Electrode location

Module 1 [5]: refers to the brain receiving signals through

sensors in the form of discs called electrodes that capture
activity from different brain sources, including ambient noise
(such as 50Hz or 60Hz power activity lines) and biological
noise (such as activity from the heart, skeletal muscles, and

The first test was done in a healthy adult male of 26 years

old during sleep and during the watching, the results obtained
were as follows in terms of alpha and beta signal.
The filtering software can perform:

Fig 9. Projection controlled by BCI

Future work to which you want to reach is to control or

mind control electromechanical devices such as prosthetic
arms, robotic hands, to help people who lack a limb.
IV. CONCLUSIONS

Fig 8. EEG signals adult preserving the original signal

After tests were done on the same subject in sleep state, this
time we look to Software likewise observed that the signal
acquired by the LabVIEW program conforms to the
characteristics of frequency and amplitude of a signal type
Theta, the signal type theta occur in adults in deep sleep.
Time frequency analysis
Brain signals require quantitative techniques that can be
validly applied to time series showing ranges unsteady
behavior. The EEG parameter in the specified time may
change due to internal or external factors. For this reason it is
a random signal.
Brain Computer System Interfaces (BCI):
The brain-computer interfaces, are a technology that is based
on the acquisition of brain waves and then be processed and
interpreted by a computer using software. They are the way to
interact with the outside world through thought and that these
interfaces allow transform into real action in our environment.
The ultimate goal and work to which you want to reach is the
control of electromechanical devices or prostheses such as
arms control, robotic hands, in this case we want to get to the
control of a 6DOF arm.
There are 2 types of devices according to the method of
obtaining the signal, in this paper we use non-invasive
devices: The sensor is positioned so that an intrusion on the
human body are performed. They are best used in BCI
technology and with less risk to the user than invasive
methods because it is not necessary to make any surgical
intervention. Electrical activity is measured on the surface of
the scalp (electroencephalography EEG) [11].

The purpose of this study was to provide design and

construction of a device at an economical cost to provide the
opportunity to those with a brain problem, to detect it early
and be treated by a specialist.
The contribution is the construction of the electrodes based
on a circuit with TL082 components such as low cost and
affordable, has a minimum at the entrance electrode
impedance and high output impedance.
The acquisition and processing of brain signals for BCI
systems, a set of parameters that can somehow get to limit the
performance of pattern recognition systems. The most
affecting these systems are: noise during acquisition stage, to
make contact with the skin and the electrode also artifacts, and
patient readiness. It should take into account these data when
testing.
The EEG analysis is a tool required is approximately 75% of
patients attending reviews of Neurology.
By transforming the analog signal into digital signal, the data
can be considered as a number in binary format, which can be
used by the computer for studies.
This is an ongoing project is currently at a preliminary stage.
However, in our current experiments we have a preview of the
results of qualitative signals. We aim to improve this figure
deepen what is the quantitative analysis of them.
It is necessary that the operational function as input buffers
have a high CMRR to reduce noise as much as possible.
This project can forge progress in ing. Biomedical to aid
doctors in diagnosing brain disorders.
According to the results of the characteristics of the alpha
and beta signals shown, which were obtained by being those
with rapid frequency bands.
For the signal processing can be applied as methods of
analysis autoregressive parameters.
V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors acknowledge the contributions for their support
in reviewing this document to teachers and people in the area

Ph.D. Ing. Avid Romn, Ing. W. Ferrel, Ing. N. Orihuela, Ing.

U. Gordillo, Ing. G. Guzman, Dr. M. Tern, Egr. W. Bejar.
Thank the Bioengineering Institute (ABI-UNSA)
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BIOGRAPHIES
Evelyn Diana Tern Meja, was born in
Oruro Bolivia June 26, 1990. Studied
Electronic Engineering at the Facultad
Nacional de Ingeniera FNI, Universidad
Tcnica de Oruro UTO. Projects "Robot
Soccer - CONEIMERA (2011)," Arm
Robtico- AAMIBOTS "and Lego Robot
Kit. Call for paper presentations in Lima-Per INTERCONN
(2012), CONEIMERA Huancayo-Per (2012), BETCON
(2013) Santa Cruz-Bolivia.
Organizer of the "First National Congress of Biomedical
Engineering" Oruro-Bolivia (2013). Presentation 2 Fair to
Reverse UTO (2013). Article Published in biomedical
Electromundo Magazine, La Paz-Bolivia (2012). CISCO
CCNA Student (2014). IEEE Student Branch President-UTO
(2014).
Areas of interest: Biomedical Robotics and Communications
Systems (Wireless).
email: develynteran@gmail.com evelyndiana@ieee.org

Edwin Christian Bolivar Vilca, was born

on October 16, 1985 in Arequipa-Per.
Studied Electronic Engineering, Facultad de
Produccin y Servicios, Universidad
Nacional de San Agustn UNSA. Organizer
of the "XVI INTERCONN CONGRESS
2009". Projects "Hand Controlled Robot
Prototype to Dist IV Ibero-AMERICAN
STUDENT
CONTESTISTEC,"
Electromechanical
Prosthetics - XPOTRON 2012 ". Presentation of call for paper
in CONEIMERA Huancayo-Per (2012), BETCON (2013)
Santa Cruz-Bolivia. Organizing LARC (2013) Arequipa-Per.
Member IEEE. Researcher in the laboratory of robotics and
computer vision, UCSP Arequipa-Per (2013-2014).
Areas of Interest: Biomedical Robotics and Power Electronics.
email: edw_bv@hotmail.com bolivarvilcaedwin@gmail.com