Intermediate
30 min

Personalized oxygen tracking with VCNL4020C and STM32F091RC

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Oximeter 3 Click with Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU

Published Feb 26, 2024

Click board™

Oximeter 3 Click

Dev Board

Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

STM32F091RC

Upgrade your solution's health monitoring capabilities with innovative optical pulse oximetry technology

A

A

Hardware Overview

How does it work?

Oximeter 3 Click is based on the VCNL4020C-GS08, a fully integrated biosensor and ambient light sensor with an I2C interface from Vishay Semiconductor. The VCNL4020C-GS08 sensor has a built-in infrared emitter and signal processing IC in a single package with a 16-bit ADC. It also has an ambient light PIN photodiode with close-to-human-eye sensitivity with excellent ambient light suppression through signal modulation. For biosensor functionality, it converts the current from the PIN photodiode to a 16-bit digital data output value, while for ambient light sensing, it converts the current from the ambient light detector, amplifies it, and converts it to a 16-bit digital output stream. The integrated infrared emitter has a peak wavelength of 890nm. It emits light that reflects off an object within 20cm of the sensor and has a programmable drive current from 10mA to 200mA in 10mA steps. The built-in infrared emitter and broader sensitivity

photodiode also can work with the additional onboard green LED and IRLED as designed on this Click board™. As an additional light source, true green color LED (VLMTG1300) with a 525nm peak wavelength is used alongside an infrared dual-color emitting diode (VSMD66694) with 660nm and 940nm peak wavelength well suited for measuring the optical pulse oximetry. The PIN photodiode receives the light reflected off the object and converts it to a current. It has a peak sensitivity of 890nm, matching the peak wavelength of the emitter, and it is insensitive to ambient light. The VCNL4020C also provides ambient light sensing to support conventional backlight and display brightness auto-adjustment. The ambient light sensor receives the visible light and converts it to a current, and it has peak sensitivity at 540nm and bandwidth from 430nm to 610nm. Oximeter 3 Click communicates with the MCU using the standard I2C

2-wire interfacewith a fixed address compatible with all I2C modes (Standard, Fast, and High-Speed).  It allows easy access to a biosensor signal and light intensity measurements without complex calculations or programming. It also generates a programmable interrupt signal routed on the INT pin of the mikroBUS™, which offers Wake-Up functionality for the MCU when a proximity event or ambient light change occurs, which reduces processing overhead by eliminating the need for continuous polling. This Click board™ can operate with either 3.3V or 5V logic voltage levels selected via the VCC SEL jumper. This way, both 3.3V and 5V capable MCUs can use the communication lines properly. However, the Click board™ comes equipped with a library containing easy-to-use functions and an example code that can be used, as a reference, for further development.

Oximeter 3 Click top side image
Oximeter 3 Click lateral side image
Oximeter 3 Click bottom side image

Features overview

Development board

Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC 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 STM32F091RC MCU double side image

Microcontroller Overview

MCU Card / MCU

default

Architecture

ARM Cortex-M0

MCU Memory (KB)

256

Silicon Vendor

STMicroelectronics

Pin count

64

RAM (Bytes)

32768

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
NC
NC
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
Interrupt
PC14
INT
NC
NC
TX
NC
NC
RX
I2C Clock
PB8
SCL
I2C Data
PB9
SDA
Power Supply
5V
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Click board™ Schematic

Oximeter 3 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 STM32F091RC 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 via Debug Mode

1. Once the code example is loaded, pressing the "DEBUG" button initiates the build process, programs it on the created setup, and enters Debug mode.

2. After the programming is completed, a header with buttons for various actions within the IDE becomes visible. Clicking the green "PLAY" button starts reading the results achieved with the Click board™. The achieved results are displayed in the Application Output tab.

DEBUG_Application_Output

Software Support

Library Description

This library contains API for Oximeter 3 Click driver.

Key functions:

  • void oximeter3_generic_write ( uint8_t reg_addr, uint8_t write_data ) - Function for writing data to register address.
  • uint8_t oximeter3_generic_read ( uint8_t reg_addr ) - Function for reading data from register address.
  • uint16_t oximeter3_read_value ( uint8_t type_macro ) - Function for reading value from sensor.

Open Source

Code example

This example can be found in NECTO Studio. Feel free to download the code, or you can copy the code below.

/*!
 * \file 
 * \brief Oximeter3 Click example
 * 
 * # Description
 * This example demonstrates the use of Oximeter 3 Click board.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 * 
 * ## Application Init 
 * Initializes the driver, checks the device ID then configures the device for the selected mode.
 * 
 * ## Application Task  
 * Depending on the selected mode it reads heart rate data (OXIMETER3_HEART_RATE mode) or
 * values of proximity and ambient light sensor (OXIMETER3_PROX or OXIMETER3_ALS modes).
 * All data is being logged on USB UART where you can track their changes.
 * 
 * @note
 * In the case of heart rate, please use a Serial Plot application for data plotting.
 * 
 * \author MikroE Team
 *
 */
// ------------------------------------------------------------------- INCLUDES

#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "oximeter3.h"

// ------------------------------------------------------------------ VARIABLES

static oximeter3_t oximeter3;
static log_t logger;

uint8_t dev_mode = 0;
uint16_t rd_val = 0;
uint16_t counter = 2500;

// ------------------------------------------------------ APPLICATION FUNCTIONS

void application_init ( void )
{
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;
    oximeter3_cfg_t cfg;

    uint8_t dev_status;

    /** 
     * 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 );
    log_info( &logger, "---- Application Init ----" );

    //  Click initialization.

    oximeter3_cfg_setup( &cfg );
    OXIMETER3_MAP_MIKROBUS( cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    oximeter3_init( &oximeter3, &cfg );

    dev_status = oximeter3_generic_read( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_REG_PRODUCT_ID );
    
    if ( dev_status != OXIMETER3_ID_VAL )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, " *****  ERROR!  ***** \r\n" );
        for ( ; ; );
    }

    dev_mode = OXIMETER3_HEART_RATE;
    
    oximeter3_generic_write( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_REG_COMMAND,
                                         OXIMETER3_CMD_MEASUREMENT_DISABLE );
    
    oximeter3_generic_write( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_REG_INTERRUPT_CTRL,
                                         OXIMETER3_INT_STATUS_PROX );
    
    if ( OXIMETER3_HEART_RATE == dev_mode )
    {
        oximeter3_generic_write( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_REG_LED_CURRENT, 
                                             OXIMETER3_LED_CURR_MID );
        oximeter3_generic_write( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_REG_PROX_MODULATOR_TIMING,
                                             OXIMETER3_PROX_TIMING_FREQ_390p625_KHZ );
    }
    else
    {
        oximeter3_generic_write( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_REG_LED_CURRENT, 
                                             OXIMETER3_LED_CURR_MIN );
        oximeter3_generic_write( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_REG_PROX_MODULATOR_TIMING,
                                             OXIMETER3_PROX_TIMING_FREQ_3p125_MHZ );
    }
    
    oximeter3_generic_write( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_REG_PROX_RATE,
                                         OXIMETER3_PROX_RATE_250_MPS );

    oximeter3_generic_write( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_REG_COMMAND,
                                         OXIMETER3_CMD_MEASUREMENT_ENABLE |
                                         OXIMETER3_CMD_PROX_PERIODIC_MEASUREMENT_ENABLE |
                                         OXIMETER3_CMD_ALS_PERIODIC_MEASUREMENT_ENABLE );

    log_printf( &logger, " ***** APP TASK ***** \r\n" );
}

void application_task ( void )
{
    if ( OXIMETER3_HEART_RATE == dev_mode )
    {
        if( !oximeter3_get_int_status( &oximeter3 ) )
        {
            rd_val = oximeter3_read_value( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_PROX );
            oximeter3_generic_write( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_REG_INTERRUPT_STATUS, 
                                                 OXIMETER3_INT_STATUS_PROX );
            
            counter++;
            if ( rd_val > 10000 )
            {
                log_printf( &logger, "%u\r\n", rd_val );
                counter = 2500;
            }
            else if ( counter > 2500 )
            {
                log_printf( &logger, "Please place your index finger on the sensor.\r\n" );
                counter = 0;
            }
        }
    }
    else if ( OXIMETER3_PROX == dev_mode || OXIMETER3_ALS == dev_mode )
    {
        if( !oximeter3_get_int_status( &oximeter3 ) )
        {
            rd_val = oximeter3_read_value( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_PROX );
            oximeter3_generic_write( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_REG_INTERRUPT_STATUS, 
                                                 OXIMETER3_INT_STATUS_PROX );
            
            log_printf( &logger, " * Proximity: %u \r\n", rd_val );
        
            rd_val = oximeter3_read_value( &oximeter3, OXIMETER3_ALS );
            log_printf( &logger, " * ALS: %u \r\n", rd_val );
            
            log_printf( &logger, "******************** \r\n" );
            
            Delay_ms( 500 );
        }
    }
}

void main ( void )
{
    application_init( );

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

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

Additional Support

Resources

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