The operation of the AS7030B is based on photoplethysmography (PPG) and electrocardiogram (ECG). PPG is the most used HRM and HRV method, which measures the pulse rate by sampling light modulated by the blood vessels, which expand and contract as blood pulses through them. ECG is the reference for any measurement of the bio potential generated by the heart. The embedded ECG analog front end satisfies IEC 60601-2-47 requirements.
The module includes the LEDs, photo-sensor, analog front-end (AFE) and sequencer as well as application software. In addition, the module also enables skin temperature and skin resistivity measurements by providing interfaces to external sensors. Built-in infrared emitter and dedicated photodiode enable easy integration of proximity function in wearable or mobile devices. Compared to the previous generation AS7030B has 250% larger photodiode with improved the optical performance. This in combination with more efficient LEDs allows reducing current consumption while achieving high PPG performances. The AS7030B’s low-power design and small form factor is particularly well suited to application in fitness bands, smart watches, sports watches and smart patches, in which board space is limited and in which users look for extended, multi-day intervals between battery recharges.