Background: Body Surface Potential Mapping (BSPM) is a noninvasive technique for acquiring cardiac electrical potentials from multiple electrodes on the torso, which can be integrated with advanced imaging techniques, such as Electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGi), to offer detailed insights into cardiac activation and the localization of arrhythmogenic substrates. Reduced cost and incorporation of wireless transmission may enhance its clinical applicability. In this study, we describe the design of a portable, low-cost hardware platform for a BSPM system based on a 32-channel acquisition microchip.
Methods: A preliminary evaluation of biopotential acquisition chips, microcontrollers, and wireless protocols was conducted to define system architecture. A custom printed circuit board was designed to interface the RHD2132 microchip (Intan Technologies) with an STM32 microcontroller via SPI for 32-channel signal acquisition. Data were transmitted via both Wi-Fi/UDP and Bluetooth and visualized in real time using LabVIEW (2025, Q1). System validation was performed using signals generated by a patient simulator (HS-14, R&D Mediq) compared to a commercial device (ECG-PC, TEB Ltda). The system operates at 1000 Hz per channel.
Results: The system successfully acquired and wirelessly transmitted 32-channel ECG signals in real time. Simulated waveforms were accurately reproduced, preserving morphology and amplitude. Bluetooth transmission showed an average delay of 8 seconds, whereas Wi-Fi showed no noticeable delay and was therefore considered the most suitable communication method. LabVIEW provided stable, continuous signal visualization. Integration with the ECGi module enabled generation of 12-lead ECG, VCG, voltage, and isochrone maps.
Conclusion: The proposed microchip-based system demonstrates the potential for developing a portable BSPM. By reducing the device size, incorporating wireless transmission, and minimizing the reliance on extensive electrode cables, the system may significantly enhance the clinical applicability of BSPM. Future work includes validation with human subjects and further optimization of wireless transmission.