Maxim introduces temperature sensors and heart rate monitors

     Maxim introduces the MAX30208 temperature sensor and MAXM86161 heart rate monitor to help designers easily create the next generation of wearable medical and fitness products. The MAX30208 reduces the temperature measurement power consumption by 50% and the MAXM86161 reduces the optical solution size by 40%. In addition, design engineers can increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy with the MAXM86161's highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

     For wearable medical and fitness monitoring devices, consumers need to measure vital signs such as body temperature and heart rate with greater accuracy, and product designers are often limited by factors such as small size, battery power, and wearable design. Maxim's two new medical sensors offer increased measurement accuracy and are ideal for continuously monitoring vital signs such as body temperature, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2).

     The MAXM86161 ear heart rate and pulse oximetry monitor is the smallest complete solution on the market today, providing high precision measurement of heart rate and SpO2 for other wearable applications such as ear wear. Tailored for in-ear applications, the device offers an industry-leading small size advantage (40% smaller than the nearest competitor) and offers the best SNR (3dB better than the nearest competitor for band-limited signal PPG applications) to support a wide range of development applications.

     The MAXM86161 consumes about 35% less power than competing products, effectively extending the battery life of wearable devices. In addition, the device integrates a complete analog front end (AFE), eliminating the need for external use of AFE chips or connected optical modules.

     The MAX30208 digital temperature sensor provides clinical-grade temperature measurement accuracy (±0.1°C) and rapid response to temperature changes. The devices also meet the demanding power consumption and size requirements of small, battery-powered applications such as smartwatches and medical strips.

     The device effectively simplifies the design of battery power and temperature measurement in wearable medical products. Compared to competing products, the device is very easy to use and can measure temperature through the top of the device without interference from its own heat dissipation. The MAX30208 supports up to four I2C addresses, allowing multiple sensors to be attached to the same IC bus. The MAX30208 can be mounted to a PCB or flexible printed circuit board (FPC).