Ams Osram, a leading global provider of optical solutions, announces the launch of its first pure integrated circuit vital signs sensor family, the AS705x. The first generation of biosignal conversion devices from ams Osram offers manufacturers great flexibility. The highly customizable optical front end combined with an energy-efficient design and small form factor is ideal for applications with limited board space, such as hearables, Smart watch or smart patch.
The AS7050 is the first biosignal sensor in a new range of ams Osram products, allowing end users to capture biosignals such as heart rate measurement (HRM) and skin resistance (GSR). With two ADC (analog-to-digital converter) channels and an embedded ECG low-noise analog front end, the AS7050 can perform simultaneous photoplethysmography (PPG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements. Customers who require smaller optics and do not require an ECG can choose the AS7056 or AS7057 series.
“The AS7056 and AS7057 are the smallest AFEs currently on the market for vital signs monitoring, with a chip size of approximately 1.7 mm x 1.7 mm,” said Dr. Markus Arzberger, Business Unit Head of Vital Signs Monitoring Applications at ams Osram. The sensors can be used in PPG-based hearables or accessories to measure vital signs. These two products allow customers to combine advanced analog-to-digital conversion processes to develop extremely small, highly customized optical front ends.”
Optical systems can be used to non-invasively measure vital signs such as heart rate variability. PPG (photoplethysmography) is the most common optical system solution that can be used for heart rate measurement. Green light enters body tissue, where it is scattered and partially absorbed by blood. A small portion of the emitted light is scattered back to the photodiode and detected with an integrated circuit. Since blood volume varies with heart rate, light absorption and the photodiode signal are modulated by heart rate accordingly.
The AS7050 provides up to 8 LED driver outputs, can sample up to 6 photodiode inputs, and supports external electrodes. The AS7056 and AS7057 can support up to 3 photodiodes and 3 emitters, and one of the emitters in the AS7056 is a VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) driver. This provides a high degree of flexibility for various types of emitter and photodiode setups in different applications.
As consumers use smartwatches, hearables, and more to monitor vital signs in their daily lives, manufacturers are working to reduce product complexity and enhance the user experience by reducing power consumption and improving design. In addition to the AFE, developers of vital signs monitoring applications that require a space-saving design can obtain from ams Osram all the building blocks required for the entire system, such as emitters and detectors. Customers receive solutions from a single supplier and benefit from ams Osram's optical system expertise during the design phase.
