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2 layers69.5 × 47 mmBackupECG2, the printed circuit board in 3D

Designing an ECG amplifier from scratch with KiCad (part of Biomedical Instrumentation coursework)

Size
69.5 × 47 mm
Copper layers
2
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
30
Nets
25
Pads
101
Tracks, vias
209, 23
Pours
2
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
Created
20 Apr 2026
Updated
20 Apr 2026

Overview

BackupECG2 is an open-source printed circuit board by namtu06, from the namtu06/ecg-amplifier repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 69.5 × 47 mm with 30 parts on 25 nets, routed with 209 tracks and 23 vias.

It is built around the ADR421ARMZ. Its parts include 13 resistors, 9 capacitors, 6 ICs and 2 connectors.

Main components

1

README

README.md

ECG Amplifier with a built-in Driven Right Leg circuit:

  • Powered by a 9-volt battery, reads ECG on human skin

  • 3 probes needed, connected to their corresponding body parts: Right Arm, Left Arm, Right Leg

  • Disconnect any charging element from the laptop if using, e.g. MyDAQ, to read the signals. (I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ELECTRICAL SHOCK YOU EXPERIENCE T.T)

  • Circuit specificities:

    • 5V regulator
    • Instrumentation amplifier for DRL
    • Instrumentation amp -> High-pass -> normal OpAmp -> Low-pass -> V_out => Total gain: 210 dB
    • 7 ground sockets for plenty of circuit testing
    • At least 100mV tolerance for half-cell potential differences (can be simulated with a DC current)

Note: Bodily resistance can be replaced with an equivalent circuit below for easier testing image

Parts

30
QtyValueFootprintReferences
510kResistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric_Pad0.98x0.95mm_HandSolderR1, R2, R4, R8, R13
51MResistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric_Pad0.98x0.95mm_HandSolderR3, R5, R6, R10, R11
3TLV6001DCKPackage_TO_SOT_SMD:SOT-23-5_HandSolderingU1, U2, U3
20.1uCapacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric_Pad1.08x0.95mm_HandSolderC8, C9
21kResistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric_Pad0.98x0.95mm_HandSolderR7, R9
24.7uCapacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric_Pad1.08x0.95mm_HandSolderC4, C5
1100kResistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric_Pad0.98x0.95mm_HandSolderR12
1100nCapacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric_Pad1.08x0.95mm_HandSolderC2
110uCapacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric_Pad1.08x0.95mm_HandSolderC7
11nCapacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric_Pad1.08x0.95mm_HandSolderC6
13.3uCapacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric_Pad1.08x0.95mm_HandSolderC1
1320pCapacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric_Pad1.08x0.95mm_HandSolderC3
1ADR421ARMZPackage_SO:SOIC-8_5.3x6.2mm_P1.27mmU5
1BD50GA3VEFJPackage_SO:HTSOP-8-1EP_3.9x4.9mm_P1.27mm_EP2.4x3.2mmU4
1Conn_01x03_SocketConnector_PinSocket_2.54mm:PinSocket_1x03_P2.54mm_VerticalJ1
1Conn_01x10_SocketConnector_PinSocket_2.54mm:PinSocket_1x10_P2.54mm_VerticalJ2
1INA326Package_SO:MSOP-8_3x3mm_P0.65mmU7

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Questions

How big is the BackupECG2 PCB?

It measures 69.5 × 47 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the BackupECG2 use?

30 parts, built around the ADR421ARMZ. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.

Where can I download the BackupECG2 KiCad files?

From the namtu06/ecg-amplifier repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is backupECG2.kicad_pcb and its schematic backupECG2.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the BackupECG2 design in my own project?

Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask namtu06 before reusing the design.