Max30100 Heart Rate Sensor Pulse Sensor

MAX30100 / MAX30102 Heart Rate Sensor Module

Pulse Oximeter & Heart Rate Monitoring Sensor

The MAX30100 / MAX30102 Heart Rate Sensor Module is an advanced optical biosensor designed to measure heart rate (pulse) and blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) using photoplethysmography (PPG) technology. It integrates high-sensitivity LEDs, photodetectors, and low-noise signal processing circuitry into a compact module.

This sensor is widely used in Arduino, ESP8266/ESP32, Raspberry Pi (via I²C), wearable devices, health-monitoring systems, and IoT-based medical projects.

Key Features

• Measures Heart Rate (BPM) & Pulse Signal

• Supports Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

• Integrated Red & Infrared LEDs

• Low Power Consumption (Ideal for Wearables)

• High Signal-to-Noise Ratio

• I²C Digital Communication Interface

• Compact & Lightweight Module Design

Working Principle

The sensor works on photoplethysmography (PPG):

1. Red and Infrared LEDs emit light into the skin (usually fingertip).

2. Blood flow changes with each heartbeat alter light absorption.

3. The photodiode detects reflected light.

4. Internal circuitry processes the signal to calculate:

   • Heart rate (BPM)

   • Pulse waveform

   • SpO₂ (oxygen saturation)

Technical Specifications (Typical)

• Sensor IC: MAX30100 / MAX30102

• Operating Voltage:

  • Core: 1.8V

  • LED: 3.3V – 5V (onboard regulator included)

• Interface: I²C (SCL, SDA)

• Measurement Parameters:

  • Heart Rate

  • Pulse Signal

  • Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

• Sampling Rate: Configurable

• Low-Power Sleep Mode: Yes

• Operating Temperature: −40°C to +85°C

Pin Configuration

• VIN: Power Supply (3.3V–5V)

• GND: Ground

• SCL: I²C Clock

• SDA: I²C Data

• INT: Interrupt Output

• IRD: Infrared LED Control

• RD: Red LED Control

Module Components

• MAX30100 / MAX30102 Sensor IC:

  • Integrated LEDs & photodetector

• Signal Conditioning Circuit:

  • Low-noise amplification and filtering

• Onboard Voltage Regulation:

  • Stable operation with microcontrollers

• Header Pins:

  • Easy breadboard and PCB connection

Applications

• Heart rate monitoring devices

• Pulse oximeters

• Wearable fitness trackers

• Smart healthcare systems

• Remote patient monitoring

• IoT medical projects

• Biomedical research

• Educational electronics projects

Advantages

• Medical-grade sensing accuracy (prototype level)

• No external analog circuitry required

• Low power for battery-operated systems

• Small footprint for compact designs

• Widely supported by open-source libraries