PEMF devices often advertise using different “waveforms” such as sine, square, or sawtooth. While this sounds straightforward, it’s important to understand that these terms usually describe the input signal going into the device, not necessarily the output magnetic pulse that is actually delivered. In reality, the output often looks quite different from the advertised waveform.
At DrPEMFtherapy, we’ve measured the real output signals of many PEMF devices, so you can see exactly what these pulses look like in practice rather than just relying on marketing claims.
Why the Input Doesn’t Match the Output
Even on the most basic level, the output pulse is not always the same as the input waveform. A good example is the square wave.
The image below shows the measured output of a square wave from the Healthyline (HealthyWave) Multi-Wave Platinum Mat at a medium pulse width:
(insert square wave oscilloscope image)
At first glance, this doesn’t look like a square wave at all—but it’s exactly what you would expect. The magnetic field is only created when there is a change in voltage (on the rise or fall of the wave). During the flat “top” of a square wave, no voltage change occurs, so no magnetic field is generated. That’s why the measured output looks like three distinct spikes instead of a solid block.
The next illustration helps clarify this by showing the square wave input overlaid with the output magnetic field response:
(insert overlay image of input vs. output)
You can now see why each rising or falling edge of the square wave creates a pulse, while the flat section produces nothing.
Pulse Speed
The speed of the PEMF pulse is another key factor that changes the waveform’s appearance.
The previous square wave example was taken with the Platinum Mat on a medium pulse width, giving a relatively long pulse duration of ~16 ms. However, when the pulse duration is shortened, the waveforms start to look very similar to each other.
Below are measurements of the same mat set to Ultra Fast Pulse Speed (~0.5 ms) comparing its sine wave and square wave outputs:
(insert sine vs. square fast pulse images)
Here, the two look almost identical. Notice how the square wave no longer has the three distinct spikes seen earlier. Because the pulse is so fast, there isn’t enough time at the “top” of the wave for the magnetic field to drop out.
This shows that at higher speeds, waveform type matters much less—sine, square, or even sawtooth outputs all begin to converge.
That said, there are still some small differences. The square wave is slightly taller than the sine wave, meaning its magnetic field is a bit stronger. This happens because the square wave input voltage rises more sharply, producing a stronger electromagnetic response when all other factors (voltage, current, coil design) are the same.
But this does not mean square waves are inherently better. Devices vary greatly in their input power and coil configurations, and a slower sine wave could still produce much higher intensity than a fast square wave. The waveform is just one piece of the puzzle in determining pulse strength. For a deeper breakdown, see my section on PEMF Intensity.
As you’ll see in the following results, the traditional terms “sine,” “square,” or “sawtooth” do a poor job of describing what’s actually happening in a PEMF pulse.
Testing Methodology and Equipment
Accurately measuring PEMF waveforms is not straightforward. Different sensors respond to different pulse speeds, so using the wrong sensor can either miss the pulse entirely or distort its shape. To capture the true signals, multiple magnetic field probes designed for different ranges:
- Low Magnetic Field B-dot Sensor – Best for 30–3000 Hz (50 ms to 0.33 ms).
- High Magnetic Field B-dot Sensor – Best for 2000–700,000 Hz (0.5 ms to 0.0014 ms).
- Near Field Probe – Best for very high frequencies (9000 Hz up into the MHz range).
In practice, we often use two probes at the same time when showing results. Each probe provides a “window” into a different aspect of the pulse, and combining them gives the most accurate picture of what the device is actually producing.
HealthyLine (HealthyWave) Platinum Multi-Wave Mat – Advanced Controller
Since we have already used the HealthyLine (also known as HealthyWave) Multi-Wave Mat in several earlier examples, we will start by reviewing the pulses from this mat. This controller provides options for both sine and square waves and allows adjustment of the pulse width (see our section on Pulse Width for details), resulting in six unique pulse variations.
1. Medium Sine Pulse
The yellow line (Low Magnetic Field B-dot sensor) gives the most accurate representation of this pulse. The blue line (High Frequency Magnetic Field B-dot sensor) does not capture the pulse clearly, but it does show a small sawtooth-like signal caused by the switching of voltage on and off. This switching pulse is common across multiple PEMF mats and may provide additional therapeutic effects.
This is also a biphasic pulse, meaning the magnetic field alternates polarity with each cycle—switching between north and south polarity. By contrast, some devices only generate pulses in a single direction.
2. Medium Square Pulse
Here, the blue line (High Frequency Magnetic Field B-dot sensor) provides the best representation. The yellow line (Low Magnetic Field B-dot sensor) is less accurate because this probe is designed for slower pulses. As a result, it lags behind the fast signal and blends three distinct pulses into one. This shows how using the wrong sensor type can create misleading readings.
For all HealthyLine (HealthyWave) Multi-Wave Mat tests, the yellow line always represents the Low Magnetic Field B-dot probe and the blue line the High Frequency B-dot probe.
3. Fast Sine Pulse
This pulse falls between the optimal ranges of the two probes, so both sensors show the waveform relatively clearly. The blue trace also captures the small spike that occurs when the signal switches on.
4. Fast Square Pulse
The blue line again provides the most accurate view. It looks very similar to the medium square pulse, but when zoomed in, the spacing between each pulse is noticeably shorter. The yellow line is not accurate here but still illustrates how using the wrong sensor can cause pulses to blend together. We highlight this because it helps make sense of results from other mats later on.
5. Ultra-Fast Sine Pulse
At this speed, the Low Frequency B-dot sensor (yellow) can barely detect the signal. The blue line (High Frequency sensor) provides the accurate representation.
6. Ultra-Fast Square Pulse
As with the sine wave, the Low Frequency probe cannot capture the signal effectively. The blue line is accurate here. At this high speed, the sine and square waves appear almost identical.
Summary
The HealthyLine (HealthyWave) Multi-Wave Mat offers one of the widest varieties of pulse options among PEMF mats. Not only can you switch between sine and square waves, but you can also adjust the pulse width, creating unique signals for each combination. We strongly recommend reviewing our section on Pulse Width, as this setting is often overlooked yet may be one of the most important factors influencing PEMF therapy outcomes.
HealthyLine (HealthyWave) Platinum Multi-Wave Mat – Basic Controller
The Basic Controller is included with every Platinum Multi-Wave Mat and is also provided with other models such as the 5-Therapy TAJ mats and 4-Therapy TAO mats.
This controller produces a signal similar to the Medium Sine Pulse from the Advanced Controller, though with slight differences caused by the switching process.
The yellow line (Low Frequency B-dot sensor) gives the most accurate representation. The blue line (High Frequency sensor) does not clearly capture the waveform but does show a stronger magnetic spike when the pulse switches off. This switching pulse is significant and may contribute additional therapeutic effects.
HealthyLine (HealthyWave) High Intensity Jet Mat
One of HealthyLine’s newest releases is the High Intensity 5-Therapy Mat. While it delivers higher intensity compared to previous models, its pulse closely resembles that of the Basic Controller—a wide sine wave with an additional energy spike at switch-off.
HealthyLine (HealthyWave) Matrix Pad
The Matrix Pad is another high-intensity mat from HealthyLine (see our section on Gauss/Intensity for full details). Its pulse characteristics are very similar to the High Intensity Jet Mat, and some modes also include polarity reversal (not shown in images).
There are also frequency differences between controllers, which we cover in detail in our Frequency section. There you’ll learn how some controllers use single pulses, while others deliver pulse bursts.
Summary of HealthyLine Controllers
Across the HealthyLine (HealthyWave) product line, most mats generate similar pulse structures, with the Advanced Controller offering the greatest variety. Our preferred pulse is the Medium Sine Wave, for several reasons detailed elsewhere on this site:
- It aligns most closely with Earth-based frequencies.
- Its longer pulse width provides higher cumulative intensity over time.
- Combined with the overall higher intensity of these mats, it delivers some of the most effective PEMF energy available.
OMI Beyond (by Oxford Medical)
The OMI Beyond represents a significant upgrade from the original OMI Mat, providing Sine, Square, and Sawtooth pulses. While having three waveforms may sound beneficial, their extremely short pulse durations result in all pulses appearing quite similar. However, the OMI Beyond does something not widely advertised: the different waveform settings (Sine, Square, and Sawtooth) cycle through varying pulse widths, giving unique variations for each mode.
Omi Beyond Square Wave
The first pulse to examine is the OMI Beyond Square Wave. As discussed earlier, the output appears as a series of voltage changes rather than a perfectly rectangular square wave. This is similar to HealthyLine’s square wave, though the OMI pulses are not symmetrical and are unevenly spaced. The yellow line represents the High Frequency Magnetic Field B-dot sensor, while the blue line is the Near Field Probe. This pulse is very fast, lasting approximately 1.5ms, and is the only waveform setting that does not vary its pulse width. Each pulse is biphasic, alternating between North and South polarities.
Note: The images are zoomed in to show detail. Each horizontal division represents 0.5ms, consistent across all OMI Beyond pulses for comparative purposes.
Omi Beyond Sine Wave
The Sine Wave setting cycles through three pulse widths—approximately 2.5ms, 1.5ms, and 1ms. As expected, at these short pulse durations, the waveform closely resembles the square wave. Cycling through different pulse widths provides a unique PEMF experience for each mode.
Omi Beyond Sawtooth Wave
The Sawtooth Wave is visually very similar to the Sine and Square waves but cycles through four pulse widths: 0.5ms, 1ms, 1.5ms, and 2ms. This variation makes the pulses unique compared to the Sine and Square settings.
OMI Original Mat
The original OMI Mat uses a single sine wave pulse. Measurements with the High Frequency Magnetic Field B-dot sensor (blue line) and Near Field Probe (yellow line) show two sharp spikes when the pulse switches on and off. In comparison the new OMI Beyond had 3 spikes in its sine wave setting. The sine wave pulse in the OMI mat represents a basic biphasic sine wave lasting approximately 2ms. Compared to the OMI Beyond, the pulse is simpler, capturing fewer magnetic spikes of energy per pulse.
OMI Ring
The OMI Ring offers pulses nearly identical to the original OMI Mat, as it is part of the same device series.
OMI Pad
The OMI Pad is a small, portable applicator. Its pulse is similar to both the full-sized mat and the ring, but the pulse width is shorter at 1ms rather than 2ms.
Bemer Pro
The Bemer mat series is known for its patented sine wave pulse bursts, which gradually increase in intensity. The waveform closely resembles the input signal. The Bemer Pro cycles between two pulse variations approximately every 1.5 minutes. The secondary pulse is more spaced out and longer, which is exclusively used in the Bemer Sleep setting while the other modes cycle between these two pulses. The primary Bemer pulse lasts approximately 0.2 seconds while the longer Bemer Pulse lasts approximately 0.5 seconds. This secondary pulse is a new inclusion from their older model the Bemer 3000 which only has the primary pulse.
Bemer Plus Signal
Bemer advertises a “Plus” signal as an improvement over the original. On the Bemer Pro, there is a setting to toggle this on/off. In our testing, there was no measurable difference between the two pulses. The spectrum analyzer showed identical frequency spectra. The following image is the Bemer signal without the Plus; it is exactly the same as with the Plus enabled.
Bemer 3000
The Bemer 3000 was the previous model to the Bemer Pro which only has the one basic pulse. The Bemer 3000 also advertises using the “plus” signal. Interestingly the Bemer 3000 pulse is different then the Bemer Pro base pulse. The difference is it is slightly faster meaning it has a slightly higher frequency then the Bemer Pro. Check out our full review of the Bemer PEMF mats to see the differences.
There are certainly some changes between the Bemer 3000 and the Bemer Pro as the patented Bemer Pulse is noticeably different between these two mats.
IMRS Prime / IMRS 2000 / Omnium 1
All IMRS mats produce the same types of pulses. The main mats use a sawtooth waveform, while pads and probes emit high-frequency square wave bursts. Our captures are from the Omnium 1; the results were identical on the IMRS 2000, and we would expect the same on the IMRS Prime. You can’t pick and choose which waveform you want to use on each device. You only get the sawtooth on the full sized mat and the “square wave” on the pillow, pads and probe.
IMRS Sawtooth Wave
Depending on the mode you use the IMRS sawtooth waveform uses small pulse bursts consisting of 4–5 pulses. The yellow line (Low Frequency Magnetic Field B-dot sensor) accurately captures the slow rise time of 5ms, while the blue line (High Frequency sensor) captures the quicker drop at the end of the sawtooth.
IMRS “Square Wave“
The IMRS “square wave” is not a single square wave pulse but a high-frequency pulse burst, that if ran continuously would be approximately 29,750Hz. The first image below shows a zoomed in version of the start of the pulse burst, due to the high frequency as explained before the waveform looses its square wave characteristics. The high frequency of continuous pulses causes it to more closely resembles a triangle wave.
Insert image of beginning of pulse
The full pulse burst lasts about 50ms as shown in the following image, each pulse burst contains 1,488 individual pulses, with the peak intensity at the start and end of the pulse burst. The following image makes the IMRS pulse burst look like a solid rectangle, this is only due to the resolution of the oscilloscope compressing all the tiny pulses together.
Insert image of full pulse
There is some misinformation about waveforms that incorrectly portrays the compressed and distorted view of the IMRS “square wave” pulse burst as a “good” square wave due to it looking like a solid square or rectangle. The IMRS “square wave” has little to no similarities or characteristics to the type of square wave used in the NASA study or many other PEMF studies that use square waves.
Higher frequency pulse bursts like the IMRS create can have certain applications but it should not be compared to a square wave. The IMRS “square wave” is a good example of how the advertised input of a waveform can greatly differ from the output it creates.
QRS / Pure Wave
The QRS (Pure Wave) mat generates sine wave pulse bursts that modulate intensity in a unique pattern, similar to Bemer mats. The sequence of images shows:
- The shape of each individual pulse,
- Then progressively zooming out to reveal the overall program structure.
Each pulse lasts approximately ~0.5ms and pulses are spaced ~4ms apart. While the QRS programs generate significantly different patterns by modulating the intensity the underlying pulses and space between pulses remains the same, as confirmed via out spectrum analyzer testing.
BioBalance (Dr. Pawluk)
The BioBalance PEMF Mat differs from other mats in that it does not switch pulses on and off. Instead, it modulates a carrier frequency (the BioBalance Signal) in three programs and uses continuous EMFs at selected frequencies in the other three programs. Some may argue this is not traditional PEMF but maybe better classified as magnetic therapy, especially all modes without the carrier frequency.
BioBalance Programs & Signal
The BioBalance Signal comprises frequency components at 300 Hz, 600 Hz, 800 Hz, and 1000 Hz. Although BioBalance advertises 400 Hz as well, our spectrum analyzer did not detect a 400 Hz component. For a deeper explanation of how these frequencies relate to pulse widths and the Magnetic Frequency Spectrum, see our Frequency Spectrum section. In short, the Basic Signal is constructed from a small set of pulses at specific widths that, if run continuously, correspond to those frequencies.
Next, the Basic Signal is modulated at a lower frequency (see image). This is the only mat we have tested that properly uses a “carrier frequency.” The term “carrier frequency” is often misused by Swiss Bionics and various IMRS distributors to describe spacing of pulse bursts, which is not accurate.
Carrier-frequency programs: Alert, Balance, Relax
Continuous-EMF programs: Sleep, Recovery, Sweep
An example capture shows the Recovery program running a continuous 10 Hz EMF. See our full BioBalance review and videos for a comprehensive view of how the programs and carrier modulation behave.
MiraMate Big Magic
The MiraMate Big Magic uses the fastest pulse of any mat we measured—just over ~0.1 ms. Although MiraMate advertises a square wave, at this speed the classic square shape is difficult to distinguish in practice.
- Yellow line: Near Field Probe
- Blue line: High Frequency Magnetic Field B-dot sensor
We see extremely fast spikes at the beginning and end of each pulse.
Pros/Cons of this pulse style:
- Pros: The rapid rise/fall enables very high peak gauss.
- Cons: Because the pulse is so brief, the overall gauss exposure (time under field) is lower, potentially limiting cumulative dose. This style also introduces higher-frequency RF components that some users may find undesirable. (See our full MiraMate review for details.)
In addition, we observed a more spaced-out RF pulse burst in the range of ~1–10 MHz. It appears intentional (fairly even spacing) but is not advertised by MiraMate. This cannot be captured well in still images; please see the video to observe this RF burst behavior.
MiraMate Mini
The MiraMate Mini is a handheld, portable applicator that uses the same main pulse as the Big Magic (see image). The yellow trace spikes in opposite directions at the beginning and end, indicating a biphasic pulse. The Mini also exhibits its own RF pulse burst, which is faster than that of the Big Magic. As with the Big Magic, RF bursts are best seen in video rather than still images.
Flex Pulse (Dr. Pawluk)
The Flex Pulse uses very fast pulses to achieve higher peak intensity, with multiple pulse widths deThe FlexPulse also employs very fast pulses to achieve high peak intensity. It advertises a trapezoidal waveform; at these speeds the trapezoid is less obvious, but the blue trace provides hints of the shape. Pulse widths vary by frequency:
- ~0.1 ms at 7–8 Hz (image below)
- ~0.04 ms at 40 Hz
- ~0.014 ms at 999 Hz, with polarity reversal every other pulse
- Blue line: High Frequency Magnetic Field B-dot sensor
- Yellow line: Near Field Probe
Note: The “accordion” pattern at the end of the yellow trace is ringing from the Near Field Probe itself (a measurement artifact) and not part of the PEMF pulse.
insert image
The next pulse width variation occurs on the Flex Pulses 40Hz and is about 0.04ms long
insert image
The final pulse width variation occurs on the Flex Pulses 999Hz program is looks to be roughly 0.014ms long. The 999Hz program also reverses polarity every other pulse.
insert image
Higher Dose
The HigherDOSE PEMF mat produces a pulse very similar to the HealthyLine (aka HealthyWave) basic controller output. It is a longer sine wave with a distinct induction spike at the end.
- Yellow line: Low Frequency Magnetic Field B-dot sensor
- Blue line: High Frequency Magnetic Field B-dot sensor
Unlike our HealthyLine captures, the blue trace here does not show earlier waveform detail because the HigherDOSE mat is significantly lower intensity. For a comparison of features and performance—and why we often recommend HealthyLine (aka HealthyWave)—see our full reviews.
Neo Rhythm
NeoRhythm devices primarily target brainwave entrainment. We measured the pad and observed very fast (~0.1 ms) trapezoidal pulses.
- Yellow line: Near Field Probe
- Blue line: High Frequency Magnetic Field B-dot sensor
The pulse looks similar to MiraMate in speed but is unipolar (both spikes in the yellow trace are in the same direction), unlike MiraMate and FlexPulse. Despite the fast width, our measurements indicate low overall intensity. See our NeoRhythm review for details.
Sota Magnetic Pulser
The Sota Magnetic Pulser uses a fairly fast pulse (~1 ms) with very long spacing of about 5 seconds between pulses. This device is ultra-high intensity (over 6,000 gauss). The Near Field Probe shows the typical switch-on spike; otherwise the pulse is simple and straightforward.
AMT 01
The AMT 01 is sometimes marketed as a PEMF device but is best classified as magnetic therapy, since it runs a continuous sine wave. It ships with a European plug, but an adapter allows use in North America. The operating frequency depends on local mains:
- 50 Hz in Europe (as advertised)
- 60 Hz in North America (as shown in the image)
The device essentially amplifies the power-line signal from the outlet.
Qi Coil
Qi Coil is more accurately a frequency device than a traditional PEMF applicator. Its programs are complex and dynamic, so a single image cannot represent the output. You must watch the program videos to appreciate the operation. All programs appear to share an underlying pulse burst at ~187,000 Hz (confirmed by spectrum analysis), which is then pulsed in varying patterns and magnitudes. It’s a distinct class of device compared to standard PEMF systems. See our full Qi Coil review to understand how these programs behave.
Resona Health
The Resona Health device is similar in concept to Qi Coil and is likewise better described as a frequency device rather than a standard PEMF applicator. Programs vary from simple repeating pulse-burst patterns to more complex sequences. The underlying pulse burst is ~682,000 Hz, which is then pulsed at different rates across programs. Some programs run many variations; others maintain a consistent pulsing of the base 682 kHz. See our full Resona Health review for the complete program list and videos.