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MAX86150 PPG & ECG sensor

MAX86150 Breakout

If you don't already have one, you can buy a board from here

The MAX86150 breakout board is an all in one module that supports a trio of functions for human vitals monitoring. It integrates the Pulse oximeter (SPO2), Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Heart rate sensor module into this breakout board. In more scientific terms, it is integrated with the Photoplethysmogram and Electrocardiogram biosensor module.

What makes this breakout exceptional is that it is the only touch-based module available to detect both SPO2 as well as ECG. The breakout board allows Qwiic connect as well as breadboard mounting with the provided pins. It is designed to accommodate both the ECG touchpad and the external ECG stereo connector. However, they are configured in a way that they function in an exclusive manner when one mode is active the other remains passive. Any microcontroller such as Arduino is compatible and the communication protocol used is I2C to stream data. With all the above features, this board is best suited for any Mobile health monitoring as well as in wearable devices.

Features

  • Single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) front-end with dry electrode operation
  • Integrated optical modules with Red and IR emitters and detectors
  • One I2C interface for both ECG as well as PPG data
  • ECG can be measured using the onboard metal pads as well as standard ECG electrodes

Specifications

  • Supply voltage: 1.8V for the chip and 3.3V for the LED drivers
  • Ambient light cancellation for a better SNR

Hardware Setup

Connection with the Arduino board is as follows:

MAX86150 pin label Arduino Connection Pin Function
SDA SDA Serial Data
SCL SCL Serial Clock
5V 5V Power
GND GND GND
INT -- Interrupt

Software Setup

Protocentral has already written the Arduino library for MAX86150. You can obtain it by clicking the below button or by downloading it from MAX86150 Github repository.

Download the latest Arduino Code for MAX86150

Follow the instructions described in the Installing Arduino Library section, search for ProtoCentral MAX86150 PPG and ECG IC library in the Library Manager and install the latest version.

Arduino Examples

PPG Streaming

  • Open serial plotter window, set the baud rate to 57600.

  • Place your finger on the optical sensor present on the top of the board as described in this section and view the PPG signal in the serial plotter.

    PPG streaming

ECG streaming

  • Open serial plotter window, set the baud rate to 57600.

  • Connect the electrodes provided along with the MAX86150 board to the body and to the breakout board as described in this section and view the ECG signal in the serial plotter.

    ECG streaming

Streaming on Openview

  • Based on the microcontroller being used, download either the Openview GUI or Openview 2.

  • Open the GUI, make sure to select MAX86150 breakout under the Board dropdown and the appropriate Port. If everything goes well, you will be able to see the screen as pictured above.

    streaming vitals