November 11, 2019 by Luke James
Integrated Device Technology (IDT) recently announced its fully integrated all-in-one biosensor module for mobile and wearable devices. It is the smallest sensor of its kind currently available on the market.
Integrated Device Technology (IDT) has recently announced the release of its fully integrated all-in-one biosensor module made for mobile and wearable devices. IDT, a subsidiary of Renesas Electronics Corporation, says that the sensor is the smallest of its kind and integrates a multi-channel light sensor, a proximity sensor, and a photoplethysmography sensor.
Measuring in at a mere 4.2mm x 2mm x 1.2mm, the optically enhanced package is tiny and includes two LEDs, drivers, the sensors, and a signal conditioning chip.
One of the sensor’s primary features is the antiallergenic glass cover. This allows the sensor to be used in applications that require direct contact with the skin. The sensor is still able to operate with IR-inked glass too, allowing for design flexibility and allowing product designers to conceal the OB1203 sensor for a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing end product.
The OB1203’s fully integrated biosensor allows for reflective photoplethysmography and when an appropriate algorithm is used, it can monitor human heart rate, respiration rate, heart rate variability (e.g. during periods of significant stress), and blood oxygen saturation. Furthermore, the light sensor can be configured as an ambient light sensor to measure ambient light close to the human eye experience.
IDT OB1203 biosensor. Image Credit: Integrated Device Technology.
SpO2 measurement behind IR transmissive, but visibly dark ink
Industry’s smallest package: 4.2mm × 2mm × 1.2mm
High SNR and Crosstalk cancelation (analog and digital)
Fully integrated and trimmed module including two LEDs, 250mA max drive current and photo detectors
Integrated and trimmed LED source, driver (250mA) and photodetector
High resolution (12 to 16 bits)
Object movement detection (in/out)
Ambient light suppression > 100 klx sun light
High lux accuracy across various light sources
Absolute sensitivity: 0.06 lx to > 150,000 lx
Output resolution LS/CS: 13 to 20 bits
Four LS/CS gain modes: x1 to x6
Highly linear output, 50Hz/60Hz light and fluorescent light flicker immunity
The OB1203 sensor’s major applications are in smartphones and other mobile devices to enable brightness control of display panels. However, the sensor is also capable of determining the proximity of nearby objects (e.g. to deactivate touch displays). The sensor also combines front-facing optical and bio-sensing features without the need for an additional optical opening.
Both the OB1203SD-CV4 and OB1203SD-CVR come with supply voltages of 1.7V – 3.6V and operating temperatures of -40°c – +85°c. The difference between the two is that the former device is the ‘Tray’ carrier type and the latter ‘Reel’.
