Description
The MAX30102 is a compact, integrated optical biosensor module designed for heart rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring in wearable and fitness devices. It combines red (660nm) and infrared (880nm) LEDs, a photodetector, optical elements, and low-noise signal processing circuitry with ambient light rejection in a tiny 5.6mm × 3.3mm × 1.55mm package.
The sensor operates on a 1.8V main supply with a separate 3.3V supply for the internal LEDs, and communicates via a standard I2C interface at address 0x57. It features programmable sample rates, LED currents, and an 18-bit ADC, allowing flexible configuration for different power and accuracy requirements. The module supports ultra-low-power operation, with heart-rate monitoring consuming less than 1mW and shutdown current of 0.7µA.
Breakout modules typically add 3.3V–5V input compatibility with onboard regulation, making the MAX30102 accessible for Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi projects. The sensor requires direct skin contact and works best with stable placement on a fingertip, wrist, or earlobe. Typical applications include fitness tracker prototypes, wearable health monitors, and biomedical engineering projects.
Critical limitations: Direct sunlight and motion artifacts significantly degrade signal quality. The sensor is not waterproof and is not a certified medical device. Algorithm implementation is non-trivial—open-source libraries provide basic heart rate detection, but reliable SpO2 calculation requires careful signal processing and validation.
Features
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Dual-Wavelength Optical Sensing: Red (660nm) and IR (880nm) LEDs for SpO2 and heart rate measurement.
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Raw PPG Output via I2C: Host microcontroller runs algorithms for BPM and SpO2 calculation.
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18-Bit ADC with Programmable Sampling: Configurable sample rates and LED currents for power/accuracy trade-offs.
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Ambient Light Rejection: Integrated circuitry minimizes interference from environmental light.
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Ultra-Low Power: <1mW for heart rate monitoring; 0.7µA shutdown current.
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Wide Compatibility: 3.3V–5V input on breakout modules; works with Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi.
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Interrupt Pin: Data-ready signal for efficient host polling.
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Tiny Optical Module: 5.6mm × 3.3mm × 1.55mm IC with integrated cover glass.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor IC | Analog Devices MAX30102 |
| LED Wavelengths | Red: 660nm; IR: 880nm |
| Supply Voltage (IC) | 1.8V main; 3.3V for LEDs |
| Supply Voltage (Module) | 3.3V – 5V DC (breakout with regulation) |
| Current Draw | <5mA typical (module) |
| Output Interface | I2C (address 0x57) |
| ADC Resolution | 18-bit |
| Sampling Rate | Programmable (multiple fixed rates) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| PCB Size | Approx. 14 × 14mm (varies by supplier) |
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