A Multi-Node Body-Channel-Communication System Using Adaptive Gain Control with ExG Readout ICs for Moving VR Users

Virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) technologies have been utilized to enhance realism in gaming, exercise, military training, and other applications beyond spatial constraints. Besides visual advancements, it is crucial to monitor the movements of each arm and leg in real time for practical human motion analysis. However, connecting the modules on each limb using wires limits the user’s movement and causes user inconvenience, and wireless connection suffers from high power consumption, which hinders the development of wearable and long-lasting solutions. By employing body-channel communication (BCC), we can achieve user’s free and comfortable movement, high energy efficiency, and low cost, all at the same time. It also enables real-time, wireless acquisition of electromyography (EMG) signals from all the arms and legs, as well as electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, without the constraints of wires.