Design and implementation of wireless transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) for smart phone

Abstract

The aim of this study is to design and implement a wireless transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) that is controlled by a smart phone. The proposed TENS can be attached to the human arm with the help of an arm band for providing electrical stimuli via a disposable electrode. These stimuli help suppress pain and increase skin temperature, and the electrical parameters of the stimuli are controlled with the help of a smart phone. For implementing a small (21 × 20 mm) and electrically safe TENS, a modified boost converter, which continuously monitors the peak current output to ensure the electrical safety, is used. Simple in vivo experiments are conducted to identify the pain control ability and skin temperature increment in the human arm. © IEICE 2009.