The MAX86171 from Analog Devices is an ultra-low-power optical data acquisition (DAQ) system with both transmit and receive channels. On the transmitter side, the MAX86171 has nine LED driver output pins that are programmable from three high-current, 8-bit LED drivers. On the receiver side, it has two low-noise charge integrating front ends that each include independent 19.5-bit ADCs and best-in-class ambient light cancellation (ALC) circuits. Due to its low power consumption and compact size as well as ease and flexibility of use, the MAX86171 is ideal for a wide variety of optical sensing applications such as pulse oximetry and heart rate detection. The MAX86171 operates on a 1.8 V main supply voltage and a 3.1 V to 5.5 V LED driver supply voltage. This device supports both I²C and SPI-compatible interfaces in a fully autonomous way. The device has a large 256-word built-in FIFO and is available in a compact 28-bump WLP package.

The MAXREFDES280# low-noise PPG sensor band allows for quick evaluation of the MAX86171 optical AFE for applications at various sites on the body, particularly the wrist. This band uses an ultra-low-power optical biosensor from Analog Devices in a wrist-worn design to capture biometric signals. The platform streams out raw PPG data for post-processing of vital signs like heart health and blood oxygenation based on the biosensor measurements. The sensor band consists of two boards, a main data acquisition board and a sensor daughter board. The MAXREFDES280# band is powered by a LiPo battery that can be charged using a USB-C supply.