The Maxim MAX30004 Biopotential simulation front-end helps wearable healthcare to keep a check on health at any time

     Maxim Integrated's MAX30004 Biopotential Analog Front End (AFE) is a single-channel biopotential heart rate monitoring AFE solution for wearable medical applications, which can be used in products such as heart rate chest straps and single-lead wireless heart rate patch, during intense exercise. There is no need to extract and process electrocardiogram (ECG) data in the microcontroller.

     The Maxim MAX30004 AFE provides a single biopotential channel to measure the R-R wave spacing of the heartbeat to determine heart rate. This biopotential channel provides electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, electromagnetic interference (EMI) filtering, and DC lead loss detection. The MAX30004 offers a wide range of calibration voltages for the built-in self-test function, and its soft power-on sequence ensures that no large transient signals are injected into the electrode.

     The MAX30004's fully differential input structure provides a high common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of more than 100 dB and a high impedance of more than 500 MOhm, improving common-mode to differential mode conversion capabilities. The 0.7 mA lead on function allows AFE's microcontroller to remain in deep sleep mode while keeping the real-time clock off until a valid lead condition is detected. Configurable interrupts allow the microcontroller to wake up only with each heartbeat, reducing overall system power consumption.

     The MAX30004 has a DC bias range of up to ±650 mV (typical 1.8V) and can be used with a wide range of electrodes. This device's power consumption is extremely low, only 85 mW at 1.1 V voltage, so its battery life is longer than that of its competitors.