Sensor IC for high-speed heart rate measurement offers class-leading detection accuracy and low power use

ROHM has released an optical heart rate sensor for smart bands and watches, that, with its high-speed 1024Hz sampling, can be employed for measuring blood pressure, stress and vascular age. The BH1792GLC is the second pulse wave sensor to be created by the company. It is noted for its high detection accuracy and low power consumption of only 0.44mA during measurement. The 1024Hz sampling rate enables it to measure the heart rate up to 32 times faster than conventional solutions. The device measures just 2.8mm x 2.8mm x 0.9mm (W x D x H). As well as measuring the heart rate, an infrared sensor enables to detect when the device is being worn. An integrated FIFO memory serves to reduce the power consumption on the host side (MCU), which in turn reduces the power consumed by the sensor and expands the application drive time. The heart rate sensor operates with supply voltages from 2.5V to 3.6V. Its operating temperature range is within –20C and +85C. The device is the perfect solution for watches, smart bands, smartphones and other portable devices requiring vital sign sensing.