Phoenix Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor Project
Sub-project: Optoelectric Pulse Sensor

 

Project Description

The purpose of the optoelectric pulse sensor project is to identify and build a reliable, low power, low cost blood flow sensor. The sensor will be used in two proposed designs for the ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM). They are: (a) the oscillometric cuff design (as a Korotkoff sound sensor) and (b) the blood flow velocity design.

Measures a heartbeat pulse using an infrared LED/photo transistor pair. These sensors are most commonly used in pulse oximetry type equipment as described in Chen et. al US Patent No. 6,599,251 starting at column 5, line 47. Figure 4 of the same patent shows a typical front-end circuit.

Typical optoelectronic (infrared) LEDs and phototransistors are available from Optek Technology, Inc. The devices used in Chen et. al are the Optek OP140A infrared LED and the Optek OP55A infrared NPN phototransistor.

Project Deliverables

• Selection of the infrared LED and photo transistor pair.
• Design of an LED excitation circuit.
• Design of a sensing circuit, including filtering and amplification stages.
• Layout and fabrication of a prototype circuit board.
• Simple mechanical holding devices
• Bill of material
• Evaluation of the completed sensor system at arm surface fingertip and ear lobe.
• Public invention disclosure and release.
• A written report.
  

About This Page

This page is maintained by Wade D. Peterson. It was last updated on 15 Jun 2004.

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(C) 2004 Wade D. Peterson. Copying and distribution of this page is permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.

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