Maxim is powering the development of wearable devices that support preventive health and fitness applications

     Maxim announced the launch of the MAX86140 and MAX86141 optical pulse oximeter/heart rate sensor and the MAX30001 Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Bioelectrical impedance (BioZ) measurement Analog Front End (AFE) to provide effective solutions for preventive monitoring and continuous monitoring products to support wearable health and fitness applications. These small size, low-power solutions enable high-precision vital sign signal measurement, monitor health/fitness status, and help prevent health hazards before they occur.

     Modern medical continuous monitoring technology is shifting consumers' mindset from passive monitoring to active monitoring. Instead of waiting for annual check-ups for blood pressure and other vital signs, consumers are getting real-time information about their health. This shift has led to an important impetus for the growth of new thinking in the demand for high-precision, small-size, low-power wearable devices. With the increasing availability of continuous monitoring and preventive health care, both technology providers and health industry practitioners must proactively grasp and support these new needs to succeed.

     Maxim's sensors for wearable health and fitness applications allow consumers to monitor a variety of critical vital signs with high precision and ensure low power consumption (longer battery life) and small size (convenience, comfort). The MAX86140 and MAX86141 can be used to measure PPG signals in the wrist, fingers, and ears to detect heart rate, heart rate abnormalities, and pulse oxygen. The MAX30001 measures the chest and wrist ECG and BioZ to detect heart rate, breathing and arrhythmia.

     Compared to similar solutions, the MAX86140 and MAX86141 consume half as much power and are approximately one-third smaller in size. The MAX30001 reduces power consumption by about half and size by almost half. By collecting data on each beat of the heart, these solutions collect high-precision data so that users can identify important symptoms at the outset. In addition, the MAX30001 meets the requirements of the clinical ECG standard IEC60601-2-47.