MAX30100 Pulse Oximeter and Heart Rate Sensor Module – I2C Optical Sensor

Product Description

The MAX30100 Pulse Oximeter and Heart Rate Sensor Module is an integrated optical sensing solution designed for developing heart-rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring projects. It combines red and infrared LEDs, a photodetector, and a high-performance analog front end to detect changes in light absorption caused by pulsating blood flow.

The sensor works by emitting red and infrared light through a fingertip and measuring the reflected or transmitted light variations. These signals can be processed to estimate pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation.

The MAX30100 communicates with a microcontroller through an I2C digital interface. Its integrated 16-bit ADC, ambient-light cancellation, programmable LED current, and 16-deep FIFO buffer help simplify optical signal acquisition and processing.

With low-power operation and software-controlled shutdown functionality, this sensor is suitable for battery-powered electronics and wearable prototypes.

It can be used with Arduino, ESP32, and other compatible microcontrollers when the required voltage and logic-level interfacing is provided.

Key Features

• Heart Rate Monitoring: Detects pulse-related optical variations for heart-rate estimation.

• SpO2 Monitoring: Supports development of blood oxygen saturation measurement projects.

• Integrated Optical Components: Includes red LED, infrared LED, and photodetector.

• I2C Communication: Digital interface for communication with microcontrollers.

• 16-Bit ADC: Integrated sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter.

• 16-Deep FIFO Buffer: Stores measurement data for efficient collection.

• Ambient-Light Cancellation: Helps reduce interference from surrounding light.

• Programmable LED Current: Allows adjustment of LED drive current for power management.

• Low-Power Operation: Suitable for battery-operated and wearable projects.

• Interrupt Output: INT pin provides interrupt functionality.

• Software Shutdown: Supports low-power standby operation.

Technical Specifications

Pin Configuration

Note: IRD and RD are driver-related connections provided on this board. They are not ordinary microcontroller GPIO or I2C pins.

I2C Connection Guide

Connect the MAX30100 module to a compatible microcontroller:

• VIN: Connect to the supported module supply voltage.

• GND: Connect to common ground.

• SDA: Connect to the controller's I2C SDA pin.

• SCL: Connect to the controller's I2C SCL pin.

• INT: Optional connection to a suitable interrupt-capable GPIO.

Important Voltage and Pull-up Notes

• The MAX30100 IC itself operates from low-voltage supplies: 1.8V to 3.3V.

• Some breakout boards include voltage regulators and/or I2C level-shifting circuitry, while others do not.

• Check the actual board circuit before applying 5V to VIN.

• I2C SDA and SCL require suitable pull-up resistors. Verify whether they are already present on the module.

• Never pull the IC's I2C lines directly up to 5V without appropriate level shifting.

Compatible Development Boards

• Arduino UNO (with suitable voltage-level interfacing)

• Arduino Nano

• ESP32 development boards

• ESP8266 development boards

• Other I2C-compatible microcontrollers

Applications

• Fitness Assistant Devices: Develop experimental heart-rate and SpO2 monitoring systems.

• Wearable Devices: Build compact battery-powered sensing prototypes.

• Biomedical Electronics: Explore optical pulse sensing and signal processing.

• IoT Monitoring Projects: Collect and transmit sensor data using compatible wireless controllers.

• Educational Projects: Learn about I2C communication, ADC conversion, and optical sensing.

Package Includes

• 1 × MAX30100 Pulse Oximeter and Heart Rate Sensor Module