STMicroelectronics (STMicro) has announced the ST1VAFE3BX biosensor, a highly integrated chip that combines “cardio and neurological sensing with motion tracking and embedded AI functionalities,” and is targeted at healthcare and fitness wearables.
The ST1VAFE3BX biosensor chip integrates biopotential inputs with an accelerometer and a machine learning core for reduced power consumption. It features a complete vertical analog front end (vAFE) for simplified detection of vital signs in electrocardiography, electroencephalography, and other healthcare monitoring applications. Inertial sensing by the accelerometer is synchronized with biopotential sensing “to infer any link between measured signals and physical activity.”
The integrated machine-learning core (MLC) and finite state machine (FSM) allow for ultra-low-power and accurate biopotential input recognition at a degree of responsiveness that is reportedly faster than the current industry standard.
The ST1VAFE3BX is aimed at applications in healthcare and fitness wearables such as smartwatches, smart patches, sports bands, connected rings, and smart glasses. It comes in a tiny 2 x 2 x 0.74 mm LGA package to save costs and PCB space.
We have previously covered other biometric monitoring products such as the Healthy Pi Move, the Onera Biomedical-Lab-on-Chip, HealthyPi 5, and WallySci E3K.
STMicro ST1VAFE3BX specifications:
- Dual channels for biopotential signal detection and motion tracking
- Biopotential signal detection channel with analog hub
- Single-channel, differential input amplifier (vAFE)
- Programmable gain and input impedance
- 12-bit ADC resolution
- Output data rate (ODR) up to 3200 Hz (analog hub / vAFE channel only)
- Accelerometer channel
- Low noise down to 220 µg/√Hz
- ±2g/±4g/±8g/±16g programmable full-scale
- Output data rate (ODR) from 1.6 Hz to 800 Hz
- Biopotential signal detection channel with analog hub
- Data Storage – Embedded FIFO: up to 128 samples of accelerometer and analog hub / vAFE data or 256 samples of accelerometer data at low resolution
- Host interface – High-speed I2C, SPI, or MIPI I3C digital output interface
- Features
- Embedded machine learning core for analog hub / vAFE data up to 1.6 kHz
- Programmable finite state machine for analog hub / vAFE data up to 1.6 kHz
- Advanced pedometer, step detector, and step counter
- Self-test
- Adaptive self-configuration (ASC) based on the sensor processing output (FSM/MLC)
- Power Management
- Supply Voltage – 1.62 V to 3.6 V
- Independent I/O supply for I2C and SPI interfaces – 1.62 V to 3.6 V
- Independent I/O supply for MIPI I3C interface – 1.08 V to 3.6 V (extended range)
- Supply Current at 50 µA (typical)
- Power-down: 2.2 µA
- Dimensions – 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.74 mm (max), LGA 12-lead
- Operating Temperature Range – -40°C to +85°C
- Shock Survivability – Up to 10000g
- Compliance – ECOPACK and RoHS compliant
On the software end, STMicro provides software tools such as the MEMS Studio in the ST Edge AI Suite and decision tree configuration tools for the machine learning core. To showcase the biosensor’s potential, STMicro has integrated the ST1VAFE3BX into a board with two electrodes which can be fitted on either the SensorTile.box PRO or the STEVAL-MKI109V3 for evaluation.
The ST1VAFE3BX AI biosensor is available from the eSTore (free samples) and distributors at $1.50 per unit for orders of 1,000 units and above. Additional information may be found on the product page and the press release. The device will also be on display for visitors to the ST booth, Hall C3 101 at Electronica 2024 in Munich from November 12 to 15.
Tomisin is a writer specializing in hardware product reviews, comparisons, and explainers. He is very passionate about small form factor and single-board computers.
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