Automatic overcurrent and leakage current sensing in multiple channel NMES systems

Sammanfattning: This report presents the development, implementation, and testing of a current monitor system that is specifically developed for testing a neuromuscular electrical stimulation system (NMES). The NMES system, developed by KTH and its academic and industrial partners Karolinska institute and Matrix Muscle Support, incorporates advanced features aimed at preventing cardiovascular diseases. The problem statement revolves around the necessity of developing a system capable of detecting any instances of overcurrent or leakage current in the neuromuscular electrical stimulation system. The purpose of this current monitoring system is to offer real-time monitoring of current levels within the electrical stimulation system. The project’s goal is to design and implement a comprehensive software and hardware solution that allows users to simultaneously monitor voltage levels across multiple channels and detect any abnormalities. The project was executed using a top-down approach. Each subtask is processed separately and finally tested to be verified and approved according to the expectations set. Test-driven development (TDD) methodology was employed to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the software and hardware implementation. The project has produced several significant results, the most important of which include the successful implementation of a real-time monitoring system for the multi-channel NMES system. A dedicated circuit board design has been prepared according to the specified requirements described in the report. The software interface has been designed to provide the user with real-time readings of voltage levels as well as visual identification of normal and abnormal values. The measurements carried out during all the tests gave clear answers to the set question, with the exception of some displacement (offset) which can be investigated more closely in future research. Furthermore, the reference images showed that the system was functioning in accordance with its original intended purpose.