'MAXREFDES117#', an open-source algorithm that supports rapid prototyping.

Maxim Integrated Korea (CEO Choi Heon-jeong) announced the "MAXREFDES117#" reference design, an ultra-small optical heart rate module (HRM). This reference design enables manufacturers and developers to quickly develop heart rate and blood oxygen saturation monitoring applications.

Maxim's MAXREFDES117# reference design includes a red/infrared (RED) LED, a photodiode, a power subsystem, and a logic level translator. Measuring just 13mm x 13mm, this low-power, compact board can accurately measure heart rate and blood oxygen saturation by placing it on a finger or earlobe. The module supports eight "tap pads" for quick connection to development platforms or wearable devices.

As an industry leader, shipping more than 200 million biosensing applications worldwide, Maxim provides a simple platform for developers.

The MAXREFDES117# reference design includes three Maxim chips: an oxygen saturation and heart rate sensor (MAX30102), an efficient, low-power step-down converter (MAX1921), and an accurate level translator (MAX14595). The module operates from 2V to 5.5V and consumes less than 5.5mW of current with embedded firmware.

The MAXREFDES117# module is compatible with Arduino and ARM mbed platforms, making it easy to install. It includes open-source heart rate and blood oxygen saturation algorithms, bill of materials (BOM), schematics, layouts, and Gerber files, enabling faster development and time to market, and is also available for use in both product development and final design stages.

“Maxim provides the basic open-source heart rate and blood oxygen saturation algorithms as part of the firmware,” said David Andeen, director of reference designs at Maxim Integrated. “Manufacturers and developers can use this reference design as a starting point or incorporate it into their finished products or projects.”