PixArt Imaging Inc., a leading provider of human-machine interface (HMI) solutions, today announces the release of its Heart Rate Monitor sensor for smart phones and wearable device platforms.
The market for wearable computing devices is driven by a growing range of wireless connected wearable sports, fitness and well-being devices. The key product attributes of the current wearable products are low power, accuracy/repeatability, small size, durability and low cost. For specific activity monitoring applications in these devices, the quality of the sensor data and battery life are the most important areas to ensure success according to industry analysts.
The PixArt Imaging PAH 8001 Heart Rate Monitor uses a unique CMOS sensor design which exhibits high signal to noise characteristics. This technology then becomes the key to developing one of the industry’s smallest form factor device with low power consumption. Human trial testing results with the PAH 8001 device closely matches the accuracy obtained using a Medical heart rate measurement system, but packaged in a tiny 3mm x 5mm form factor size. When used while performing a high impact activity such as running or jogging, the initial testing data shows the accuracy to be within +/-5BPM for speeds up to 8 KM/hour.
The PAH 8001 uses photoplethysmogram (PPG) technique which passes a green LED light wave into the skin and measures the response change caused by the absorption due to the pulsating arterial blood. The actual measurement is done using a small CMOS sensor Pixel Array and the output is a set of photoplethysmogram (PPG) data. This data can be used to not only monitor heart rate, but also body stress level, etc.
The PAH 8001 Heart Rate Monitor sensor along with the associated reference design kit containing HW platform, electrical and mechanical design and programing guides, library algorithm etc. allows designers the ability to easily incorporate this device/feature set and quickly capture the demand for fitness and activity monitoring applications for wearable devices.
“PixArt Imaging is the current market leader in optical mice, but the core technologies (CMOS imaging, optical and system integration) are now enabling the development of new and emerging innovative applications being introduced into the marketplace.” said Dennis Lo, President, PixArt Imaging USA. “This heart rate monitor sensor is just the beginning of a line of healthcare monitoring solutions that we will be introducing this year.”
Key Features &Package information
- Integrated package – Integrated Pixel Array plus LED
- Small form factor – 3 x 5mm surface mount package
- Outstanding Signal to Noise response
- Ability to detect and penetrate various skin tones/types
- Low power consumption 1.5 milliamps typical
- Flexible interface – I2C, 4-wire SPI, 2-wire SPI
- Reference design kits available
- Embedded PixArt SW algorithm
- Motion Compensation included
