Control of Brushless Direct-Current Motors Using Bioelectric EMG Signals

Sensors (Basel). 2022 Sep 9;22(18):6829. doi: 10.3390/s22186829.

Abstract

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analysis of measurements of bioelectric signals obtained from electromyographic sensors. A system that controls the speed and direction of rotation of a brushless DC motor (BLDC) was developed; (2) Methods: The system was designed and constructed for the acquisition and processing of differential muscle signals. Basic information for the development of the EMG signal processing system was also provided. A controller system implementing the algorithm necessary to control the speed and direction of rotation of the drive rotor was proposed; (3) Results: Using two muscle groups (biceps brachii and triceps), it was possible to control the direction and speed of rotation of the drive unit. The control system changed the rotational speed of the brushless motor with a delay of about 0.5 s in relation to the registered EMG signal amplitude change; (4) Conclusions: The prepared system meets all the design assumptions. In addition, it is scalable and allows users to adjust the signal level. Our designed system can be implemented for rehabilitation, and in exoskeletons or prostheses.

Keywords: bioelectric signals; brushless direct-current motors; engine control.

MeSH terms

  • Arm
  • Electricity
  • Electromyography
  • Exoskeleton Device*
  • Muscle, Skeletal* / physiology
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.