Description

The MAX30100 Heart Rate & Pulse Oximeter Sensor Module is an integrated optical sensor solution designed for heart-rate and blood oxygen (SpO₂) monitoring applications. It combines red and infrared LEDs, a photodetector, optimized optics, and low-noise analog signal-processing circuitry in a compact package.

The sensor communicates with a microcontroller through an I²C-compatible digital interface, making it suitable for Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, and other embedded development platforms.

Key Features
MAX30100 integrated pulse oximeter and heart-rate sensor
Measures heart-rate/pulse signals
Supports SpO₂ monitoring applications
Integrated Red and Infrared LEDs
Integrated photodetector
High-performance analog front end
Ambient-light cancellation
High signal-to-noise ratio
Digital I²C interface
Programmable LED current
Programmable sample rate
Built-in 16-sample FIFO
Ultra-low-power operation
Software-controlled shutdown mode
Compact design for wearable and portable applications
Technical Specifications
Parameter Specification
Sensor IC MAX30100
Sensor Type Optical Heart Rate & Pulse Oximeter
Measurement Heart Rate / Pulse / SpO₂
Optical LEDs Red & Infrared
Communication I²C
ADC 16-bit Sigma-Delta ADC
FIFO 16-sample
Supply Voltage 1.8V and 3.3V rails
Shutdown Current Approx. 0.7 µA typical
Sample Rate Programmable
LED Current Programmable
Package Size 5.6 × 2.8 × 1.2 mm IC package
Interface SDA, SCL, INT
Application Wearable, Fitness & Monitoring Devices

The exact power-input arrangement of a breakout module may differ from the MAX30100 IC itself; check the specific module’s regulator/level-shifter design before applying power.

Pin Configuration

Typical MAX30100 modules provide:

VIN / VCC – Power input
GND – Ground
SDA – I²C data
SCL – I²C clock
INT – Interrupt output

Some module versions may include additional pins for LED-driver connections or other functions, so the actual pinout can vary by manufacturer.

Applications
Heart-rate monitoring projects
Pulse monitoring systems
SpO₂ monitoring prototypes
Fitness and wearable devices
Smartwatch projects
Health-monitoring prototypes
Arduino biomedical projects
ESP32 IoT projects
Raspberry Pi sensor projects
Fitness trackers
Portable monitoring devices
Educational biomedical projects
IoT healthcare applications
Compatible Development Platforms

The MAX30100 module can be integrated with many controllers supporting I²C communication, including:

Arduino UNO / Nano / Mega
ESP32
ESP8266
Raspberry Pi
STM32
Other I²C-compatible microcontrollers
Advantages
Compact optical sensing solution
Integrated Red and IR LEDs
Digital I²C communication
Low power consumption
Programmable measurement parameters
Ambient-light cancellation
Suitable for battery-powered and wearable projects
Simplifies heart-rate and pulse-oximeter prototype development
Important Note

The MAX30100 is now listed by Analog Devices as obsolete, with the manufacturer recommending newer MAX30101/MAX30102 devices for new designs.

Readings from development modules should not be considered medical-grade measurements or used for medical diagnosis. Actual measurement accuracy can be affected by movement, sensor placement, finger pressure, ambient conditions, and software algorithms.kazitechbd.com