Performance Evaluation of a New Dry-Contact Electrode for EEG Measurement

Monitoring electroencephalography (EEG), is the important measurement for diagnosis the pathological and physiological conditions of human brain. EEG recording is done by using traditional wet electrode which is required skin preparation and gel application before using. Repeating this process causes problems for users over time, a waste of time and effort, as well as a loss of signal when the gel or conductive fluid dries up. In order to overcome these problems, a dry-contact electrodes with multi—pins are designed and manufacturing in the present study to measure brain signals without prior preparation of the skin. These electrodes made from Brass metal and coated with conductive material to enhanced the electrical conductivity. Scanning electron microscopy SEM and Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy EDX tests are used to study surface morphology of electrode and to identify the chemical element of electrode’s materials. Electrode skin electrode impedance interface ESI is also measured in this study. To evaluate the dry-contact electrodes, EEG measurement are performed and the result compared with standard wet electrodes by using correlation coefficient. The result showed there is no considerably different between dry-contact electrodes and wet electrodes. To conclude, the dry-contact EEG electrodes can reliably measure brain activity through a fast and convenient preparation method, so they are expected to be used in clinical practice.