What is the difference between an ECG, EEG, EMG and EOG?

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram (EMG) and electrooculogram (EOG) all measure biopotentials, the electrical output of human activity. However, the amplitude and bandwidth of the measurements vary for each of these. The table shows the values for each biopotential group according to the article “Biopotentials and Electrophysiology Measurements” in The Measurement, Instrumentation, and Sensors Handbook.

Source	Amplitude (mV)	Bandwidth (Hz)
ECG	1-5	0.05-100
EEG	0.001-0.01	0.5-40
EMG	1-10	20-2000
EOG	0.01-0.1	dc-10

An ECG determines heart activity by measuring signals from electrodes placed on the torso, arms and legs. In contrast, several EEG electrodes are uniformly attached to the forehead with the ears used as a reference for monitoring brain activity. Pairs of electrodes are used on a specific muscle and a separate location is used as a reference for EMG measurements. Finally, eye movement is measured by electrodes placed above, below and at the side of each eye. In fact, measurement of the retina within the eyes produces another type of measurement called an electroretinogram or ERG.

Electrical performance and biologic response requirements for ECG electrodes are defined in the national standard ANSI/AAMI EC12:2000/(R)2005 Disposable ECG electrodes. Silver (Ag) – silver chloride (AgCl) is a typical electrode material for ECG and other biopotentials. Their cost, as opposed to more expensive reusable electrodes, allows them to be disposable.

Image courtesy of Vermed, A division of Nissha Medical Technologies.

All of the biopotential signals have low and even very low amplitude so instrument amplifiers are typically used to obtain a consistent, low noise signal. An added requirement for EOG measurements is very good low frequency, or even dc, response.