The AS7000 incorporates an integrated optical sensor module accompanied by software to provide optical heart rate measurements (HRM) and heart rate variation (HRV) readings. Its low-power design is suited to applications in fitness bands, smart watches, sports watches, and devices in which board space is limited.
Available in a 6.1 x 4.1 x 1.0mm package, the AS7000 is claimed to be the industry’s first integrated health and fitness solution wearable. The introduction of the module raises the prospect of fitness bands, sports and smart watches to replace electro-cardiogram chest straps in lifestyle, fitness and health monitoring applications.
The AS7000 module includes LEDs, a photo-sensor, an analogue front end (AFE) and controller as well as application software to give accurate optical HRM and HRV measurements. The module also measures skin temperature and skin resistivity by interfacing with external sensors.
The operation of the AS7000 is based on photoplethysmography (PPG), an HRM method which measures pulse rate by sampling light modulated by the blood vessels, which expand and contract as blood pulses through them. Unlike existing optical AFEs, which produce raw PPG readings, the AS7000 integrates a digital processor which implements algorithms that convert the PPG readings into digital HRM and HRV values.
“The AS7000 is ideally suited to customers seeking a total solution that enables a quick time to market when adding health and fitness features to their wearables,” said Ronald Tingl, biosensors senior marketing manager for ams’ Advanced Optical Solutions Division.
