E3K aims at providing an affordable, fully open-source, wireless framework for an intuitive understanding of bio-signals originated from the human heart, muscle, and brain. The platform consists of the following modules:
These modules, combined with our firmware and data collection software, enable a reliable and high rate of data acquisition at an affordable price-point.
E3K is designed to get anyone working with bio-signal acquisition right out-of-the-box, while also allowing for complete customization.
The E3K GUI allows you to configure each channel and collect data without requiring any coding. But for advanced users, it can be programmed either by using Arduino IDE or Espressif IDF. We are developing Arduino libraries and Python APIs so that anyone can integrate the E3K platform into their own projects. These codes, along with the hardware schematics, will be shared on our GitHub repo once the campaign concludes.
Modularity naturally allows you to configure E3K into the bio-signal acquisition tool that you need. Use the modules you need, in the configuration you need them. Or you can add your own modules!
E3K supports widely used communication protocols like UART, I²C, and SPI and provides 10 GPIO pins, 6 analog pins, and 2 DACs. So you can easily develop your own hardware directly on top of the system. All the ports in E3K are based on Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) connectors, which are pre-soldered on the boards. There’s no need to worry about uncommon or proprietary equipment. A couple pushbuttons and LEDs are also provided for feedback.
For additional ease-of-use, the power management system in the DCPU allows dual-mode of operation - either via USB power or a battery - in addition to supporting battery charging. The power source can even be changed while in use, seamlessly switching from battery to USB power and vice-versa.
E3K is very useful to students and researchers as a base to build a biological project around. Using our interactive Graphical User Interface (GUI), students can instantly visualize the signals, thus enhancing their understanding. Using our open source data acquisition software, researchers can collect and process the data with ease. The supreme Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and affordable price will enable them to build their own unique solution. E3K is an ideal solution for just about anyone working on their next healthcare or wearable device.
WallySci E3K | OpenBCI Cyton board | Bitalino Plugged Kit BLE | ProtoCentral HealthyPi v4 | Shimmer Sensing Shimmer3 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open source | Hardware and software | Hardware and software | Only Software | Hardware and software | No |
CPU | ESP32 - Xtensa dual-core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor, up to 240 MHz clock | PIC32 microcontroller (50 MHz) | Atmega328 | ESP32 - Xtensa dual-core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor, up to 240 MHz clock | MSP430 CPU (24 MHz) |
Program memory | 16 MB Flash | 256 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash | 4 MB Flash | Not known |
RAM | 520 KB RAM | 64 KB SRAM | 2 KB SRAM | 520 KB RAM | Not known |
ECG | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
EMG | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
EEG | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
9-DoF IMU | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Number of channels | 6 | 8 / 16 | 6 | NA | 15 |
Wireless compatible | Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n + Bluetooth: v4.2 BR/EDR and BL | Bluetooth v4.0 | Bluetooth v4.1 | on-board Wi-Fi and BLE | Bluetooth |
Other communication | USB, QwiiC, I²C, SPI | None | None | None | None |
Power source | LiPo battery with on-board USB charging | 4 AA battery | LiPo battery with on-board USB charging | LiPo battery with on-board USB charging | Rechargeable LiPo |
Firmware update | Through Arduino IDE via micro USB | Through Atmel Studio via FTDI | Through Atmel Studio via FTDI | Through Arduino IDE via micro USB | N/A |
Python API | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
MATLAB API | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Generic connectors | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Hardware price | $159 | $500 - $950 | $225 | $249 | ~$2500 |
FDA approved | No | No | No | No | Yes |
The E3K platform is completely open source. At its core, E3K is designed to enable hassle-free data acquisition, so it can be easily adapted and expanded into other bio-sensing projects or experimental set-ups. You can add other sensors or incorporate E3K into an existing bio-sensing project to develop the platform for a wide range of applications.
All the software and hardware files, including GUI, firmware, APIs, and PCB files, will be made available via the GitHub repository. Furthermore, a user manual, datasheets, and a few example projects using the E3K platform will be provided.
Although the E3K platform has some of the features of a medical device, it does NOT have any certifications (FDA, CE, IEC, etc.) and is NOT officially approved for medical or diagnostic use. It is your responsibility to ensure your safety when using the device. Furthermore, you should never power the device from a non-isolated power source.
Produced by WallySci in Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.
The E3K Combo is the full set of modules: One Wi-Fi and BLE-enabled Data Communication and Processing Unit (DCPU) with ESP32-DevKitC-32E, one EMG sensor, two ECG/EEG sensors, and one IMU sensor. The Combo also comes with one electrode cable and five electrode pads.
WallySci is committed to fostering an environment for hands-on exploration at the interface of computer science, robotics, and bioengineering. E3K is especially designed for students and researchers, the robust, high-performance sensors provide an opportunity for rapid prototyping of hacker devices and unconstrained scientific quest. "Seriously Quirky Bio-sensing"