Compact heart-monitoring wristwear provides ECG reliability

A low-power, high-performance MEMS accelerometer from ST maintains the PulseOn heart rate measurement accuracy and reliability at the level delivered by an electrocardiogram, as proven by extensive scientific testing under all possible scenarios and conditions, from physical inactivity up to higher levels of cardiac stress.

ST’s accelerometer effectively tracks hand motion and vibrations to eliminate the noise in optical blood-flow detection. The PulseOn monitor can thus distinguish between the signal that represents the actual heart pulse and that which is caused by hand movements. The accelerometer also determines the wearer’s level of physical activity.

The STM32L MCU makes sure everything functions reliably, whilst using minimal energy. PulseOn developers optimised the application’s power consumption using the STM32L’s various and flexible ultra-low-power modes, which allow the MCU to fulfill its tasks while consuming the least possible energy at any given time.

“This small and fashionable device is set to watch the wearer’s heart and make a big difference to their life,” said Benedetto Vigna, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group, STMicroelectronics. “PulseOn’s decision to rely on ST’s sensors and control chips confirms our enabling role in the development of innovative, people-friendly applications that contribute to improving healthcare and wellness.”

“The superior precision and performance of ST's chips have enabled us to apply the strictest scientific standards to the PulseOn heart-rate measurement technology, producing reliable results that includes the beat-to-beat accuracy during rest,” said Jari Nousiainen, Head of Engineering, PulseOn. “Equally important, the minuscule dimensions and energy budget of ST ICs have been a competitive advantage by contributing to the creation of the market’s smallest and most accurate wrist-worn heart-rate monitor.”