All-in-one biosensor module targets wearables

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (IDT), a wholly owned subsidiary of Renesas Electronics Corp., recently released the OB1203, an all-in-one biosensor module for mobile and wearable devices. The fully-integrated module comes in a tiny, optically-enhanced package that measures 4.2 x 2 x 1.2 mm, and includes two LEDs, drivers, sensors, and a signal conditioning chip that outputs all sensor data on an I2C bus.

The OB1203 module  enables non-invasive heart rate (HR) and blood oxygen level measurement, and integrates additional sensors needed for mobile devices, including an ambient light sensor (ALS), an RGB color sensor, a proximity sensor, and a pulse oximeter biosensor.

The OB1203 features an anti-allergenic glass cover, which allows it to be used in applications requiring direct skin contact. The module can operate when covered with IR-inked glass, allowing product designers to almost entirely conceal the OB1203 for a more aesthetically pleasing product design, said IDT.

The OB1203 comes with clinical-grade heart rate and SP02 algorithms, a customizable Android app, and only requires power and three data lines to operate.

The calibrated module is available with a complete design toolkit, and doesn’t require design expertise. OB1203 samples and evaluation kits with Bluetooth or USB data connectivity are available.