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:

• Wi-Fi and BLE enabled Data Communication and Processing Unit (DCPU)
• Electromyography (EMG) sensor - to capture muscle movements
• Electrocardiography (ECG) sensor - to capture heart signals
• Electroencephalography (EEG) sensor - to capture brain activity
• 9-DoF Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) - to capture motion

These modules, combined with our firmware and data collection software, enable a reliable and high rate of data acquisition at an affordable price-point.

Plug-N-Play! Yet Hackable

E3K is designed to get anyone working with bio-signal acquisition right out-of-the-box, while also allowing for complete customization.

Software

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.

Hardware

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.

Practical Bio-sensing in Education and Research

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.

Specifications

Data Communication and Processing Unit (DCPU):

• Form-factor: Breakout board with ESP32 Dev Kit
• Connectivity:
  • 1x I²C ports broken out to standard-pitch headers - for use with the IMU sensor module
  • 6x 3-pin headers, each with a 12-bit analog pin - for use with the EMG and ECG/EEG sensor modules
  • 1x 5-pin header with three 12-bit analog pins - for use with the EMG and ECG/EEG sensor modules
  • 2x Qwiic I²C connectors
  • 1x SPI port in a 2x5 standard-pitch header configuration
  • All ESP32 Dev Kit pins are additionally broken out to standard-pitch headers
• DAC: 2 (8 bit)
• Sampling rate: 1-2000 Hz
• Data acquisition software: Custom, open source GUI
• Programming: Via Arduino IDE and Espressif IDF - Arduino libraries and Python APIs are in development
• Communications:
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
  • Bluetooth: v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE
  • USB 2.0
• Feedback: 2 LED, 2 buttons
• Power: 3.3 – 6 V via USB or battery
  • On-board LiPo charging
  • Standard battery connector in addition to through-holes

DCPU Pinout

ESP32 Dev Kit:

• ESP32-DevKitC
• ESP32-D0WD-V3 embedded, Xtensa® dual-core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor, up to 240 MHz
• Integrated 520 KB SRAM
• Integrated 802.11b/g/n HT40 Wi-Fi transceiver, baseband, stack, and LWIP
• Integrated Bluetooth V4.2 BR/EDR and Bluetooth LE specification (dual-mode: classic and BLE)
• 16 MByte SPI flash
• On-board PCB antenna
• Interfaces: SD card, UART, SPI, SDIO, I²C, LED PWM, Motor PWM, I²S, IR, pulse counter, GPIO, capacitive touch sensor, ADC, DAC
• Included with every E3K DCPU

ESP32 Pinout

EMG Bio-sensor:

• Gain: 1920 dB
• Range: ±0.8 mV (with 3.3 V)
• Bandwidth: 50 - 2500 Hz
• CMRR: 90 dB
• Input impedance: 0.8 GOhm
• Data output: Both raw and integrated data output over analog pin
• Electrode connection: 3.5 mm electrode cable jack - supports 3-lead electrode cables
• Supply voltage: 2.7 - 5 V

EMG Biosensor Pinout

ECG & EEG Bio-sensor:

• Gain: 880 - 8800 dB
• Range: ±0.18 - ±1.87mV (with 3.3 V)
• Bandwidth: 1.5 MHz (G = 1)
• CMRR: 90 dB
• Input impedance: 0.8 GOhm
• Data output: Both raw and integrated data output over analog pin
• Electrode connection: 3.5 mm electrode cable jack - supports 3-lead electrode cables
• Supply voltage: 2.7 - 5 V

ECG & EEG Biosensor Pinout

IMU Sensor:

• On-board peripherals:
  • 12-bit accelerometer with a range of ±8 g
  • 16-bit gyroscope with a range of ±2000 degrees per second
  • A triaxial geomagnetic sensor
  • Two additional Qwiic connection ports
• Data output: Three options
  • I²C (default) - up to 400 kHz
  • SPI - up to 3 MHz
  • UART - 3 Mbps
• Linear acceleration accuracy: 0.35 m/s²
• Accelerometer accuracy: 0.3 m/s²
• Gyroscope accuracy: 3.1° / sec
• Magnetometer accuracy: 1.4 µT
• Supply voltage: 1.65 – 3.6 V

IMU Pinout

Comparisons

Open Source Platform Encourages Innovation

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. In these difficult times, when the entire world is affected by COVID-19 pandemic, users can build innovative solutions with E3K for self-monitoring.

Support & Documentation

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.

• User manual
• Datasheets
• Example projects

Manufacturing Plan

Our device has three parts which are dependent on external factors:

• Sourcing components for the PCB
• Manufacturing and assembly of PCB
• Packaging material

For each of the parts, we have already identified the respective companies that can provide them. The sourcing of all the components will be done through Mouser, TI, Digi-Key and Element14. We have identified a PCB fabrication and assembling company in India. We have used their services throughout our prototyping phase. The quality is excellent and they have capability to handle production quantity. Moreover, we have identified a few other alternative companies in India that will be able to deliver quickly while maintaining quality standards.

Fulfillment & Logistics

Once we verify quality and test the functionality of each module, items will be shipped to Crowd Supply. From there on, Crowd Supply will manage the shipment to individual backers. The USA orders will be delivered free of charge. For all international (non-US) orders, there is a fixed surcharge. To know more about ordering, paying, and shipping please visit this Guide page.

Risks & Challenges

As mentioned earlier, we have already tested the quality of service provided by our vendors and have identified a few alternatives, just in case. Lockdown in India due to COVID-19 pandemic has ended and our PCB fabrication and assembly vendor is back to full-time production. However, we are still facing some delays in the shipment of components. We have attempted to compensate for these shortages in our estimated shipping timeframe, but any unforeseen delay will be promptly communicated via campaign updates.

Disclaimer

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.