Global leader in high-performance sensor solutions ams today launches the industry's thinnest sensor dedicated to blood oxygen saturation measurement, enabling remote monitoring of this vital sign in small consumer products such as earbuds, smartwatches, and wristbands, as well as medical devices like patches and pulse oximeters.

The high performance of the new AS7038RB also means it is suitable for innovative applications in remote diagnostic devices, such as disposable patches for SpO2 and electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements in hospital emergency rooms. This provides greater flexibility for medical teams and patients in choosing how to measure these vital signs non-invasively, and how and when to respond quickly.

In fact, growing evidence indicates that low SpO2 is an early symptom of COVID-19 disease in some high-risk patients, occurring before the onset of breathing difficulties. The development of wearable SpO2 measurement devices based on AS7038RB allows for remote use, thereby aiding in the treatment of individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Wim Renirie, Vice President and General Manager of the Accessories and Wearable Solutions business unit at ams, stated: "The launch of AS7038RB marks another breakthrough for ams in remote diagnostic technology. ams is actively collaborating with numerous partners to develop innovative solutions for testing and diagnosing COVID-19. AS7038RB provides an additional diagnostic tool, enabling the creation of wearable and disposable devices to accurately and safely monitor blood oxygen saturation without the need for a physician."

Small size and high level of integration, suitable for space-constrained designs

The combination of small size, integrated functions, and high-performance signal chain makes AS7038RB ideal for OEMs developing innovative health monitoring applications in space-constrained consumer or medical products. The sensor is housed in a package with a footprint of 3.70 mm x 3.10 mm and a thickness of only 0.65 mm. It integrates a high-sensitivity photodiode, four LED drivers, an analog front end, and a sequencer. It comes with application software for SpO2 and heart rate measurement. The analog front end also supports concurrent ECG measurement, complying with the requirements of the IEC 6060-2-47 medical standard.

The accuracy of AS7038RB SpO2 measurement closely matches the output of medical-grade pulse oximeters used in hospital test facilities, partly due to the unique on-wafer interference filter technology developed by ams. This filter enables AS7038RB to capture optical signals in the 590 nm-710 nm and near-infrared (800 nm-1050 nm) bands for SpO2 measurement, while blocking interference from ambient light at other wavelengths.

When combined with the high-sensitivity photodiode from ams (which has a large photosensitive area of 2.5 mm2), it yields a high optical signal-to-noise ratio. This simplifies implementation in optically challenging applications, such as disposable chest patches, wristbands, and smartwatches.

Innovative and flexible implementation allows for use in a wide range of applications

AS7038RB provides drivers for up to four external LEDs, allowing OEM the flexibility to place the LEDs in positions best suited for the application. This means LED placement can be optimized for different skin thicknesses and bone structures at the wrist, chest, forehead, finger, and other locations.

The sensor's high sensitivity and high signal-to-noise ratio enable effective operation at low light power emitted by LED. The integrated LED driver adjusts the drive current, allowing OEM to balance system power consumption and measurement performance, thereby helping to extend operating time between battery charges in devices with small battery supplies, such as earbuds.

AS7038RB samples are now available, with mass production scheduled for month 10.

How sensors enable "smart connectivity"

Global leader in high-performance sensor solutions ams (SIX: AMS) will showcase several industry-first technologies for mobile devices later this month at MWC in Barcelona. Digital transformation affects every existing business model, and future use case scenarios depend on the combination of sensor technology with 5G; therefore, ams invests in sensor solution innovation on behalf of its many mobile industry customers.

ams customers will experience breakthrough sensor solutions for mobile, computing, and consumer sectors. This includes: highly advanced 3D technology for smartphones, computing, and automotiveand robotics; behind the OLED solutions for bezel-less phones; color sensors that elevate images to professional levels; compact yet powerful earbud technology for effortless ANC experiences (digital and analog); and medical-grade wearables capable of monitoring blood pressure. The company will also demonstrate how this technology is applied in white goods, industrial, and automotive sectors. Visitors to the showcase will see how advancements in industry-leading 3D technology will be used in future specialized applications: from solid-state LiDAR to 3D automotive access and command, to 3D solutions, and advanced hearing for robotics and AI.