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Simplifying High-Performance Electromyography (EMG) Sensing
AKM Developed EMG Measurement IC for Wearable Devices that Helps Reduce Development Workload

2026/06/30

Overview

Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has developed the AK05611, an EMG measurement IC for wearable devices that achieves both ease of system development and low-noise performance, enabling stable surface electromyography (EMG) sensing even during motion.

In recent years, as EMG sensing has moved towards broader practical adoption, high-performance systems have often relied on discrete architectures consisting of multiple ICs and components. This has increased design complexity, including component selection, circuit design, and noise mitigation.

The AK05611 integrates the analog front-end functions that are required for both EMG sensing and bioimpedance (BioZ) measurement into a single chip, contributing to simplification of system design and reduction of development workload. In addition, its Motion Artifact Cancellation (MAC) function reduces the impact of motion-induced noise*1, enabling stable EMG measurements during physical activity.

The device supports both I²C and SPI interfaces, allowing flexible channel expansion depending on application requirements. Up to 32 channels can be supported via SPI, making it suitable for multi-point measurement systems.

These features contribute to the creation of new user experiences in wearable devices, including activity monitoring, smartwatches, and gesture-based input for AI glasses.

Samples of the AK05611 are currently available, with mass production scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026.

*1 Motion noise: Noise generated by body movement. In EMG sensing, it is primarily caused by changes in the contact condition between electrodes and the skin. It is also referred to as a Motion Artifact (MA).

EMG Sensor

Product Features

Simplifies Development with Single-Chip EMG Sensing

The AK05611 integrates the analog front-end functions that are required for EMG sensing, BioZ measurement capability, and a MAC function for motion-noise reduction into a single chip. This eliminates the need for combining multiple ICs and discrete components, contributing to the simplification of system architecture and the reduction of development workload.

The device also achieves a low input-referred noise level of 1.23 μVrms, comparable to that of discrete instrumentation amplifier designs, enabling detection of subtle muscle movements such as those of a little finger. High-performance EMG sensing that previously required discrete implementations can now be achieved with a simpler system configuration.

Reduces Motion Noise for Stable EMG Sensing During Activity

EMG signal acquisition can become unstable due to motion artifacts generated during physical activity. The AK05611 incorporates a MAC function that utilizes BioZ information to suppress such artifacts, enabling stable signal acquisition even while the user is in motion.

Low Power Consumption, Compact Package, and Scalable Multi-Channel Configuration

Operating from a 1.8 V supply and consuming only 1.3 mW, the AK05611 helps extend battery life in wearable devices. Its compact 24-pin CSP package (1.564 mm × 2.705 mm) also contributes to system miniaturization. The device supports programmable sampling frequencies from 0.25 kHz to 4 kHz, providing flexibility to optimize measurement conditions over a wide range of applications.

Multiple AK05611 devices can be connected to support up to 32 channels via SPI or up to 8 channels via I²C. With a shared clock and common interface architecture, multi-point EMG measurement systems can be implemented efficiently.

Applications

  • Healthcare Devices (Daily Health Monitoring, Frailty*2 and Sarcopenia*3 Management)
    In addition to activity monitoring for daily health management, the AK05611 can be applied to devices designed to support frailty and sarcopenia management in aging populations. Its compact size and low-power operation make it well suited for wearable healthcare devices.
  • Wearable and XR Devices (Smartwatches, AI Glasses, Game Controllers, and More)
    The AK05611 enables the implementation of intuitive gesture-based input interfaces using EMG signals. By reducing motion artifacts, it helps achieve stable and reliable user input during operation.

*2 Frailty: A condition associated with aging in which physical and cognitive functions decline, representing an intermediate stage between healthy aging and the need for long-term care.
*3 Sarcopenia: Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Continuous monitoring of muscle activity is expected to contribute to early detection and preventive care.