Industry’s first reference design for galvanic skin response targets wearables

Maxim Integrated’s MAXREFDES73# is designed to improve accuracy, dynamic range, and power consumption for sensing galvanic skin response in mobile medical and fitness applications. Wearables developers can now immediately evaluate galvanic skin response (GSR) sensing with the MAXREFDES73# reference design, the industry's first, says the company. Applying GSR (measurement of skin's conductivity) is a challenge because designers need to manipulate several discrete chips and calibration software before completing the sensor design. The MAXREFDES73# integrates digital-to-analog (DAC) and analog-to digital (ADC) converters, a microcontroller with advanced power management, firmware, and an easy-to-use Android app into the industry’s first GSR reference design. Now designers of wearables can save development and testing time, and quickly bring their mobile medical and fitness products to market. Offered in a wristband form factor, the MAXREFDES73# includes body surface temperature readings, Bluetooth communications, and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to one week on a single charge. Key Advantages 1 - Fast time to market: integrates DAC and ADC signal chain components, low-power microcontroller, external Bluetooth and Android apps, and firmware components to quickly develop and test designs. 2- High accuracy: 16-bit integrated analog front-end (AFE). 3 - Low power consumption: operates for one week on one battery charge. “We based MAXREFDES73# on our award-winning MAX32600 wellness microcontroller, and are giving wearables developers a highly integrated reference design,” said Seth Messimer, business manager for medical microcontrollers, Maxim Integrated. “With all the integrated components, our customers are 80% done already, saving them design and evaluation time.”