Intermediate
30 min

Hear your heart's story with SFH 7060 and STM32F446RE

Your heartbeat, your guide

Heart Rate 9 Click with Nucleo 64 with STM32F446RE MCU

Published Oct 08, 2024

Click board™

Heart Rate 9 Click

Dev. board

Nucleo 64 with STM32F446RE MCU

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

STM32F446RE

Upgrade your solution's heart rate monitoring capabilities with our advanced sensor technology - designed to deliver accurate and consistent readings

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Hardware Overview

How does it work?

Heart Rate 9 Click is based on the SFH 7060, a heart rate and pulse oximetry monitoring sensor from ams OSRAM. It utilizes a Phase Division Multiplexing technique to simultaneously measure multiple signals with zero cross-talk. This technique uses the PIC16F1779 MCU's integrated Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) from Microchip. CIPs allow you to achieve a low-noise reflective heart rate monitor design with significantly lower BOM costs than conventional designs. This Heart Rate 9 Click board™ introduces Microchip's proprietary method (hereafter "proprietary method") of measuring multiple signals in a body using pseudorandom binary sequence generation and phase division multiplexing. This proprietary method uses a special encoding/decoding scheme to allow multiple light-emitting diodes (LED) to transmit light simultaneously with a single photodiode to condition each light from the combined lights at the receiving side. While the blood passes through the capillary blood vessels, they expand and dilate. Their light reflectance index changes accordingly. This is the basis of the photo-plethysmogram (PPM), a method used for the volumetric measurement of an organ, or in this case - blood vessels. The heart rate signal is calculated

according to the changes in the reflected green light sensed by the PD element. The Heart Rate 6 click can provide the HRM readings by placing the index finger over the optical sensor. Oxygen saturation in the blood can be determined by measuring the light absorption in the red/IR part of the spectrum. The oxygen-saturated blood absorbs more red light and less infrared than the unsaturated blood. This fact can be used to determine the oxygen saturation of the blood. The peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) percentage ranges from 95% to 100% for a healthy adult. The challenge in a multiple signal sources system (for example, the LEDs in the case of a pulse oximeter) is that each LED must share the same photodiode. A classic solution is to turn on each light source in sequence and then take each measurement in turn. Each light source gets its slice of time in which the photodiode can get its measurement. This method is called Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM). The same principle is also applied to the TDMA-based cellular system. The drawback of the TDM approach is that adding more light sources while keeping the data processing routine the same results in more time to get a measurement from every source. Microchip's proprietary method uses a known

concept called Maximal Length (ML) sequence, a type of pseudorandom binary sequence, to generate a gold code or a reference sequence. This reference sequence is then phase-shifted using PhaseDivision Multiplexing (PDM) to drive multiple LEDs. After passing through a part of a body, the light amplitudes from these LEDs are detected by a phototransistor or photodiode and digitized with an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC). The digitized ADC light amplitude values are re-correlated with each LED's driving sequence. Spread spectrum techniques are known for their noise mitigation properties and ability to pass multiple signals through the same medium without interference. Thus, these measurements of each light absorption of the body can be performed substantially simultaneously with minimal interference from each other. The SFH7060, made by ams OSRAM, integrates three green, one red, one infrared emitter, and one photodiode in a reflective package. The reflective photo sensing method has become increasingly popular in developing small, wearable biometric sensors, such as those green light sensors seen in the back of smartwatches or activity tracker wristbands.

Heart Rate 9 Click top side image
Heart Rate 9 Click bottom side image

Features overview

Development board

Nucleo-64 with STM32F446RE MCU offers a cost-effective and adaptable platform for developers to explore new ideas and prototype their designs. This board harnesses the versatility of the STM32 microcontroller, enabling users to select the optimal balance of performance and power consumption for their projects. It accommodates the STM32 microcontroller in the LQFP64 package and includes essential components such as a user LED, which doubles as an ARDUINO® signal, alongside user and reset push-buttons, and a 32.768kHz crystal oscillator for precise timing operations. Designed with expansion and flexibility in mind, the Nucleo-64 board features an ARDUINO® Uno V3 expansion connector and ST morpho extension pin

headers, granting complete access to the STM32's I/Os for comprehensive project integration. Power supply options are adaptable, supporting ST-LINK USB VBUS or external power sources, ensuring adaptability in various development environments. The board also has an on-board ST-LINK debugger/programmer with USB re-enumeration capability, simplifying the programming and debugging process. Moreover, the board is designed to simplify advanced development with its external SMPS for efficient Vcore logic supply, support for USB Device full speed or USB SNK/UFP full speed, and built-in cryptographic features, enhancing both the power efficiency and security of projects. Additional connectivity is

provided through dedicated connectors for external SMPS experimentation, a USB connector for the ST-LINK, and a MIPI® debug connector, expanding the possibilities for hardware interfacing and experimentation. Developers will find extensive support through comprehensive free software libraries and examples, courtesy of the STM32Cube MCU Package. This, combined with compatibility with a wide array of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), including IAR Embedded Workbench®, MDK-ARM, and STM32CubeIDE, ensures a smooth and efficient development experience, allowing users to fully leverage the capabilities of the Nucleo-64 board in their projects.

Nucleo 64 with STM32F446RE MCU double side image

Microcontroller Overview

MCU Card / MCU

default

Architecture

ARM Cortex-M4

MCU Memory (KB)

512

Silicon Vendor

STMicroelectronics

Pin count

64

RAM (Bytes)

131072

You complete me!

Accessories

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 comes equipped with two proprietary mikroBUS™ sockets, allowing all the Click board™ devices to be interfaced with the STM32 Nucleo-64 board with no effort. This way, Mikroe allows its users to add any functionality from our ever-growing range of Click boards™, such as WiFi, GSM, GPS, Bluetooth, ZigBee, environmental sensors, LEDs, speech recognition, motor control, movement sensors, and many more. More than 1537 Click boards™, which can be stacked and integrated, are at your disposal. The STM32 Nucleo-64 boards are based on the microcontrollers in 64-pin packages, a 32-bit MCU with an ARM Cortex M4 processor operating at 84MHz, 512Kb Flash, and 96KB SRAM, divided into two regions where the top section represents the ST-Link/V2 debugger and programmer while the bottom section of the board is an actual development board. These boards are controlled and powered conveniently through a USB connection to program and efficiently debug the Nucleo-64 board out of the box, with an additional USB cable connected to the USB mini port on the board. Most of the STM32 microcontroller pins are brought to the IO pins on the left and right edge of the board, which are then connected to two existing mikroBUS™ sockets. This Click Shield also has several switches that perform functions such as selecting the logic levels of analog signals on mikroBUS™ sockets and selecting logic voltage levels of the mikroBUS™ sockets themselves. Besides, the user is offered the possibility of using any Click board™ with the help of existing bidirectional level-shifting voltage translators, regardless of whether the Click board™ operates at a 3.3V or 5V logic voltage level. Once you connect the STM32 Nucleo-64 board with our Click Shield for Nucleo-64, you can access hundreds of Click boards™, working with 3.3V or 5V logic voltage levels.

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 accessories 1 image

Used MCU Pins

mikroBUS™ mapper

NC
NC
AN
Reset
PC12
RST
NC
NC
CS
NC
NC
SCK
NC
NC
MISO
NC
NC
MOSI
Power Supply
3.3V
3.3V
Ground
GND
GND
NC
NC
PWM
NC
NC
INT
UART TX
PA2
TX
UART RX
PA3
RX
NC
NC
SCL
NC
NC
SDA
NC
NC
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Click board™ Schematic

Heart Rate 9 Click Schematic schematic

Step by step

Project assembly

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 front image hardware assembly

Start by selecting your development board and Click board™. Begin with the Nucleo 64 with STM32F446RE MCU as your development board.

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 front image hardware assembly
Nucleo 64 with STM32F401RE MCU front image hardware assembly
EEPROM 13 Click front image hardware assembly
Prog-cut hardware assembly
Nucleo-64 with STM32XXX MCU MB 1 Mini B Conn - upright/background hardware assembly
Necto image step 2 hardware assembly
Necto image step 3 hardware assembly
Necto image step 4 hardware assembly
Necto image step 5 hardware assembly
Necto image step 6 hardware assembly
Clicker 4 for STM32F4 HA MCU Step hardware assembly
Necto No Display image step 8 hardware assembly
Necto image step 9 hardware assembly
Necto image step 10 hardware assembly
Debug Image Necto Step hardware assembly

Track your results in real time

Application Output

1. Application Output - In Debug mode, the 'Application Output' window enables real-time data monitoring, offering direct insight into execution results. Ensure proper data display by configuring the environment correctly using the provided tutorial.

2. UART Terminal - Use the UART Terminal to monitor data transmission via a USB to UART converter, allowing direct communication between the Click board™ and your development system. Configure the baud rate and other serial settings according to your project's requirements to ensure proper functionality. For step-by-step setup instructions, refer to the provided tutorial.

3. Plot Output - The Plot feature offers a powerful way to visualize real-time sensor data, enabling trend analysis, debugging, and comparison of multiple data points. To set it up correctly, follow the provided tutorial, which includes a step-by-step example of using the Plot feature to display Click board™ readings. To use the Plot feature in your code, use the function: plot(*insert_graph_name*, variable_name);. This is a general format, and it is up to the user to replace 'insert_graph_name' with the actual graph name and 'variable_name' with the parameter to be displayed.

Software Support

Library Description

This library contains API for Heart Rate 9 Click driver.

Key functions:

  • heartrate9_generic_write - Heart Rate 9 data writing function

  • heartrate9_generic_read - Heart Rate 9 data reading function

  • heartrate9_set_rst - Sets state of the rst pin setting

Open Source

Code example

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.

/*!
 * @file main.c
 * @brief Heart Rate 9 Click Example.
 *
 * # Description
 * This example reads and processes data from Heart Rate 9 clicks.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 *
 * ## Application Init
 * Initializes driver and wake-up module.
 *
 * ## Application Task
 * Reads the received data and logs it.
 *
 * ## Additional Function
 * - static void heartrate9_clear_app_buf ( void ) - Function clears memory of app_buf.
 * - static err_t heartrate9_process ( void ) - The general process of collecting data the module sends.
 *
 * @note
 * Data structure is:
 *  > AA;BB;CC;DD;EE; <
 * 
 *  > AA -> Data header.
 *  > BB -> Red diode.
 *  > CC -> IR diode.
 *  > DD -> Green diode.
 *  > EE -> BPM.
 *
 * @author Luka Filipovic
 *
 */

#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "heartrate9.h"

#define PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE 200

static heartrate9_t heartrate9;
static log_t logger;

static char app_buf[ PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE ] = { 0 };
static int32_t app_buf_len = 0;
static int32_t app_buf_cnt = 0;

/**
 * @brief Heart Rate 9 clearing application buffer.
 * @details This function clears memory of application buffer and reset it's length and counter.
 * @note None.
 */
static void heartrate9_clear_app_buf ( void );

/**
 * @brief Heart Rate 9 data reading function.
 * @details This function reads data from device and concatenates data to application buffer.
 *
 * @return @li @c  0 - Read some data.
 *         @li @c -1 - Nothing is read.
 *         @li @c -2 - Application buffer overflow.
 *
 * See #err_t definition for detailed explanation.
 * @note None.
 */
static err_t heartrate9_process ( void );

void application_init ( void ) 
{
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;  /**< Logger config object. */
    heartrate9_cfg_t heartrate9_cfg;  /**< Click config object. */

    /** 
     * Logger initialization.
     * Default baud rate: 115200
     * Default log level: LOG_LEVEL_DEBUG
     * @note If USB_UART_RX and USB_UART_TX 
     * are defined as HAL_PIN_NC, you will 
     * need to define them manually for log to work. 
     * See @b LOG_MAP_USB_UART macro definition for detailed explanation.
     */
    LOG_MAP_USB_UART( log_cfg );
    log_init( &logger, &log_cfg );

    // Click initialization.
    heartrate9_cfg_setup( &heartrate9_cfg );
    HEARTRATE9_MAP_MIKROBUS( heartrate9_cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    err_t init_flag  = heartrate9_init( &heartrate9, &heartrate9_cfg );
    if ( init_flag == UART_ERROR ) 
    {
        log_error( &logger, " Application Init Error. " );
        log_info( &logger, " Please, run program again... " );

        for ( ; ; );
    }

    app_buf_len = 0;
    app_buf_cnt = 0;
}

void application_task ( void )
{
   heartrate9_process();

    if ( app_buf_len > 0 )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, "%s", app_buf );
        heartrate9_clear_app_buf(  );
    }
}

void main ( void )
{
    application_init( );

    for ( ; ; )
    {
        application_task( );
    }
}

static void heartrate9_clear_app_buf ( void )
{
    memset( app_buf, 0, app_buf_len );
    app_buf_len = 0;
    app_buf_cnt = 0;
}

static err_t heartrate9_process ( void )
{
    int32_t rx_size;
    char rx_buff[ PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE ] = { 0 };

    rx_size = heartrate9_generic_read( &heartrate9, rx_buff, PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE );

    if ( rx_size > 0 )
    {
        int32_t buf_cnt = 0;

        if ( app_buf_len + rx_size >= PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE )
        {
           heartrate9_clear_app_buf(  );
            return -2;
        }
        else
        {
            buf_cnt = app_buf_len;
            app_buf_len += rx_size;
        }

        for ( int32_t rx_cnt = 0; rx_cnt < rx_size; rx_cnt++ )
        {
            if ( rx_buff[ rx_cnt ] != 0 )
            {
                app_buf[ ( buf_cnt + rx_cnt ) ] = rx_buff[ rx_cnt ];
            }
            else
            {
                app_buf_len--;
            }

        }
        return 0;
    }
    return -1;
}

// ------------------------------------------------------------------------ END

Additional Support

Resources

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