Activity description
This module introduces, from both a theoretical and practical point of view, the analysis of the heart rate and the basic principles of optical monitoring of vital signs. Participants will build an optical sensor using an LED and a photodiode/photoresistor to detect light variations caused by blood flow and determine heart rate.
At an electronic level, the activity allows understanding the operation of pulse sensors and photoplethysmography (PPG) systems, as well as the relationship between the optical signal obtained and blood oxygen saturation. We will also work with simulation programs, such as Tinkercad, to design and validate the circuit before physically assembling it with Arduino.
Duration: 90–120 minutes
Documents to download:
- Rubric.
- Working document.
- Teaching guide.
Materials and resources needed:
- Arduino boards.
- USB cables.
- Protoboard.
- Electrical resistances.
- LEDs.
- LDRs (photoresistances).
- Ambient light sensor (eg TEMT6000).
- DuPont jumper cables.
- External battery.
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