ROHM's New High-Speed Optical Heart Rate Sensor Optimized for Measuring Blood Pressure, Stress and Vascular Age

Kyoto and Santa Clara, Calif., Feb. 21, 2018 -- ROHM has recently announced the availability of an optical heart rate sensor for smart bands and watches capable of measuring blood pressure, stress and vascular age at a high-speed 1024Hz sampling rate. The BH1792GLC, which is ROHM’s 2nd generation optical heart rate sensor, features its high accuracy and low power consumption. A current consumption of only 0.44mA (during heart rate measurement), the lowest in the industry*, contributes to longer operating time. And the 1024Hz sampling rate makes it possible to measure heart rate up to 32 times faster than conventional solutions while also supporting vital sign sensing such as vascular age and stress measurement demanded by the latest wearable and fitness devices.

Optical Heart Rate Sensor Operating Mechanism Original Optical Filter Design Enables High Accuracy Pulse Detection

In recent years there has been a growing demand for wearables that can measure not only heart rate, but other vital signs as well such as stress and vascular age to monitor and manage health. However, measuring complicated vital signs requires an increased sampling frequency, which can lead to higher power consumption and decreased battery life.

In response, ROHM leveraged original infrared filtering technology and optical sensor expertise cultivated over many years to develop a low power heart rate sensor that provides high accuracy measurement even under strong IR environments such as direct sunlight or during intense motion activities. And the high-speed sampling rate meets the continuously evolving needs of the IoT and wearable markets.

A heart rate sensor evaluation board (BH1792GLC-EVK-001) for use with ROHM sensor shields that connect to open platform MCU boards (e.g. Arduino Uno) is also available for purchase from online distributors. Moving forward, ROHM will continue to develop solutions that achieve greater safety and convenience in wearable and other portable applications.

*ROHM February 21, 2018 study

The BH1792GLC
Availability: Now
Pricing: $5.30 /unit (1,000 pcs)

The BH1792GLC-EVK-001
Availability: Now
Pricing: $23.81 /unit (1 pc)

Key Features
1. Meets the growing demand for vital sign sensing
The high-speed 1024Hz sampling rate makes it possible to measure more complicated vital signs like blood pressure, stress and vascular age. And an infrared sensor is built in for sensing when the device is worn, simplifying system configuration by integrating this component into the sensor itself.

2. Original optical filter achieves high accuracy detection
An original optical filter structure integrating IR cut and green filters allows only green wavelengths to pass through, reducing susceptibility to external noise such as IR and red light by up to 10x compared with conventional solutions. This enables high accuracy detection even under noisy IR conditions, including direct sunlight and strenuous motion activity.

3. Class-leading low power consumption contributes to longer battery life
When combined with ROHM’s green LED (SMLMN2ECT) optimized for the light receiving characteristics of the heart rate sensor, the improved optical design makes it possible to achieve a class-leading low current consumption of 0.44mA (during heart rate  measurement).
In addition, unlike conventional products, a FIFO (First In First Out) buffer is added to reduce power consumption of the Host side controller (e.g. MCU, Applications Processor etc.). This decreases the power consumed by the pulse sensor, contributing to longer application battery life.

4. Optional sensor shield evaluation board facilitates sensor evaluation testing and algorithm development
A heart rate sensor evaluation board (BH1792GLC-EVK-001) for use with our sensor shield (SensorShield-EVK-001) is available for purchase through online distributors. The sensor shield supports open platform MCU boards such as Arduino Uno.
All documents and software necessary for using the evaluation board for vitals sensing can be downloaded from our support page.

Applications
● Wearables such as smart bands and watches
● Smartphones
● Other devices requiring vital sign sensing

About ROHM Semiconductor
ROHM Semiconductor is an industry leader in system LSI, discrete components and module products, utilizing the latest in semiconductor technology. ROHM's proprietary production system, which includes some of the most advanced automation technology, is a major factor in keeping it at the forefront of the electronic component manufacturing industry. In addition to its development of electronic components, ROHM has also developed its own production system so that it can focus on specific aspects of customized product development. ROHM employs highly skilled engineers with expertise in all aspects of design, development and production. This allows ROHM the flexibility to take on a wide range of applications and projects and the capability to serve valuable clients in the automotive, telecommunication and computer sectors, as well as consumer OEMs.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9776d7a5-5128-40bf-ba2b-db90e535beab

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1924a3a7-6f15-4eb2-b2c8-8ad42bf37a00

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/794b0cb5-c33b-48cf-aba4-6a9c9a23b6e6

Jayme Pontious
ROHM Semiconductor
[email protected]