The ability to combine these capabilities in a single, compact device opens new possibilities for health devices. From wearable ECG monitors to stress management devices, the ST biosensors are paving the way for more versatile and user-friendly health solutions.
Wearables and wellness applications The applications for the ST biosensors are wide and varied, products such as wearable fitness trackers, wellness devices, and sports monitors stand to benefit greatly from these biosensor’s capabilities. For athletes, the integration with inertial measurement units (IMUs) could mean real-time tracking of concussion risks or performance metrics, enabling early intervention and personalised training regimens. Coaches and healthcare professionals can use this data to optimise performance while minimising injury risks.
In addition to its motion tracking and biopotential measurement capabilities, the ST biosensors’ feature embedded machine learning cores (MLCs) and a finite state machine (FSM) for on-device data processing. These advanced features allow wearable devices to analyse data in real time, reducing the need for continuous cloud connectivity and enhancing user privacy. For example, a wearable using a ST biosensor could detect irregular heart rhythms and provide immediate feedback to the user without requiring external analysis.
Advanced data processing and AI integration What truly distinguishes the ST biosensors is its built-in data processing capabilities. The biosensor’s finite state machine (FSM) and machine learning core (MLC) enable intelligent signal analysis directly within the sensor. This “intelligence at the edge” approach significantly reduces latency and power consumption while offloading tasks from the device’s primary microcontroller. The MLC is particularly exciting for developers creating customised health and wellness applications. By leveraging the sensor’s embedded AI features, they can design algorithms to recognise specific patterns or anomalies. For instance, the biosensor could be trained to identify signs of sleep apnoea, fatigue, or stress based on a combination of biopotential and motion signals. These AI-driven insights have the potential to transform wearable devices into proactive health management tools, capable of delivering tailored recommendations and alerts.
Additionally, the sensor’s adaptive self-configuration (ASC) feature ensures that it can automatically adjust to changing conditions. Whether monitoring a sedentary user or an active athlete, the ST biosensors adapt to provide consistent and accurate data. This versatility makes it a valuable asset in a wide range of applications, from fitness tracking to healthcare diagnostics.
Democratising advanced health monitoring STMicroelectronics has taken care to ensure that integrating the ST biosensors into new products is as seamless as possible. With its evaluation kits, developers can quickly prototype and refine applications
www.cieonline.co.uk
for real-world use. The kits include the STEVAL-MKI250KA PCB board for evaluating the ST1VAFE3BX biosensor, and STEVAL-MKI242A / STEVAL-MKI249KA PCB boards for evaluating the ST1VAFE6AX biosensor. These boards are used together with the STEVAL-MKI109D
The potential applications of the ST biosensors extend beyond traditional health monitoring. Its ability to measure multiple biopotential signals simultaneously, coupled with its advanced data processing features, could lead to
innovative solutions for mental health, neurorehabilitation, and even gaming. For example, EEG monitoring
could be used to develop
brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that
professional MEMS evaluation board and provide access to the biosensor’s full pinout, they are supplied with accessories such as the
STEVAL-MKE006A electrode board for finger contact biometric measurements or the STEVAL-MKE007A board which allows for connection of 3.5mm jack ECG cables for measurements on the chest.
These evaluation tools make it easier for engineers and researchers to explore the biosensor’s capabilities and develop customised applications. The kits are compatible with STMicroelectronics suite of development tools, including the X-CUBE-MEMS1 software expansion pack which includes the BioVSM software library for vital signs measurement, which ensures that developers can quickly integrate the ST biosensors into existing ecosystems. Moreover, the sensor’s small, thin land grid array (LGA) package simplifies integration into compact devices like wearable health monitors. Its ability to operate across a wide temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) ensures reliable performance in various environments, from clinical settings to outdoor activities.
A vision for the future
The introduction of the ST biosensors marks a significant milestone in the evolution of healthcare technologies. By enabling precise, synchronised biopotential and motion tracking, STMicroelectronics has opened the door to a new era of personalised healthcare and wellness. Imagine devices that not only detect irregular heartbeats or brain waves but also adjust their analysis in real-time based on a user’s movement.
As devices like the ST biosensors continue to push boundaries, the possibilities for healthcare, fitness, and human performance optimisation are expanding at an exhilarating pace. This is not just a technological leap−it’s a step toward a future where healthcare is smarter, more accessible, and deeply integrated into our everyday lives.
Components in Electronics February 2025 11
enable individuals with mobility impairments to control devices using their thoughts. Similarly, ENG monitoring could play a crucial role in prosthetics, helping users achieve more natural and precise movements.
By bridging the gap between cutting-edge engineering and practical health applications, STMicroelectronics is redefining how we think about biosensing. It’s not just a sensor; it’s a glimpse into the future of health and wellness. With the ST biosensors, the company has set a new standard for innovation, creating a platform that empowers developers, healthcare professionals, and consumers alike to explore new frontiers in healthcare technology.
Discover how Anglia can enhance your next design with cutting-edge biosensor solutions from STMicroelectronics. Contact us today at
www.anglia-live.com or scan the QR code to learn more about ST biosensors.
*Please note ST biosensors are not medical approved devices
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60