
HMicro and STMicroelectronics have launched their cooperation to create a single-chip solution for single-use disposable smart patches and biosensors.
HMicro, a wireless solutions developer of innovative products engineered to address the unique requirements of wireless peripherals and complex biosensor applications, and STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor developer serving customers across the spectrum of electronic applications, have launched their cooperation to create the industry’s first single-chip solution for clinical-grade, single-use disposable smart patches and biosensors.
The product, HC1100, targets the 5 billion wired wearable sensors, such as those for vital-sign monitors and electrocardiogram leads, used annually.
The HC1100 chip is based on the WiPoint technology and a purpose-built silicon platform jointly created by HMicro and ST. HC1100, the first product based on WiPoint, embeds three ultra-low-power radios for Wi-Fi, Ultra-wideband and Medical Band (MBAN), multiple sensor interfaces, an ARM Cortex M0 application processor, 352kB of RAM and power-management circuits on a single chip.
The dual-core ARM Cortex M0 architecture leverages ST ultra-low-power design technology and wireless-connectivity IP to ensure long worry-free operation. The multi-sensor interfaces support monitoring of heart rate, blood oxygen levels and respiration, as well as the capability to interface to MEMS microphones and motion MEMS sensors that could be used to monitor and detect patient behavior through activity recognition.
The HC1100’s patent-protected specifications meet key requirements for mission-critical products and functions that demand ultra-high reliability through a robust wireless connection suitable for high sensor-data accuracy. While meeting these uncompromising demands, the HC1100 is both cost-effective and highly optimized.
The WiPoint technology and the HC1100 employing it are the first results of the close cooperation between HMicro and ST. The Companies’ next step is the deployment of this technology platform for other high-volume clinical and industrial IoT applications.
The HC1100 is already in high-volume production and is available from HMicro.
HMicro
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STMicroelectronics
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