COVER STORY
Expanding healthcare horizons through technology
The healthcare market is undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of innovative technologies that enhance the precision, accessibility, and personalisation of healthcare. From wearable fitness trackers to sophisticated diagnostic tools, advancements in biosensing are empowering individuals and professionals alike to monitor and manage health with unparalleled accuracy. New biosensor technologies exemplify this progress by integrating cutting-edge engineering with practical healthcare applications. These developments are not only improving patient outcomes but also broadening the scope of wellness solutions, paving the way for a future where healthcare is seamlessly integrated into daily life.
In this month’s edition, Pierre Morris, field application engineer at Anglia, introduces the latest biosensor innovation from STMicroelectronics.
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n a transformative step forward for healthcare and wellness technologies, STMicroelectronics has introduced the ST1VAFE3BX and ST1VAFE6AX, groundbreaking dual-function biosensors that seamlessly integrate biopotential signal detection and motion tracking. They combine a vertical analog front-end (vAFE) with a 3-axis (ST1VAFE3BX) ultralow- power accelerometer or 6-axis (ST1VAFE6AX) Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which combines an accelerometer and gyroscope. These biosensors enable unprecedented levels of context-aware analysis, empowering applications in health monitoring, fitness, and beyond. With their compact design, energy- efficient operation, and advanced features, the ST biosensors* represent a pivotal innovation poised to reshape the healthcare landscape.
A new frontier in biosensing The ST biosensors leverage the synergy of their components to provide synchronised biopotential and motion signals. This integration mitigates motion artifacts - those pesky disruptions caused by movement - enhancing the reliability and precision of its readings. Their design prioritises efficiency with a compact, low- noise, and low-power vAFE, ensuring that healthcare devices can operate longer without frequent charging while maintaining robust performance. Additionally, the synchronisation of the vAFE with the accelerometer and
10 February 2025 Components in Electronics
IMU allows for context-aware edge analysis, minimising latency and reducing the need for external processing. But what truly sets these biosensors apart are their potential to revolutionise health monitoring. With the capability to measure key biopotential signals such as electrocardiography (ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), seismocardiography (SCG), and electroneurography (ENG), the ST biosensors offer a comprehensive toolkit for diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions. These capabilities make it possible to assess heart rhythms, brain activity, nerve health, and even subtle
heart vibrations—tools invaluable in detecting stress, fatigue, and neurological or cardiovascular abnormalities.
Bridging the gap between movement and biopotential data
Traditional biosensors often struggle to maintain accuracy when users are in motion. The ST biosensors address this challenge by synchronising biopotential and motion signals in real time, allowing for seamless compensation of motion artifacts. For instance, when monitoring heart rate variability (HRV) during physical activity, the sensor’s integrated accelerometer accounts for motion-induced disruptions, delivering more accurate and reliable readings. This feature is particularly valuable in wearables designed for fitness enthusiasts or patients requiring continuous health monitoring. Moreover, the sensor’s advanced analog front-end allows it to capture signals from up to three electrodes. This capability unlocks multiple monitoring applications, including: ECG (Electrocardiography): Monitoring the heart’s electrical activity to detect arrhythmias or other irregularities. EEG (Electroencephalography): Measuring brain activity to identify neurological conditions or stress levels. SCG (Seismocardiography): Recording heart vibrations on the chest for a detailed analysis of cardiac function. ENG (Electroneurography): Assessing nerve impulses to detect damage or disorders.
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