STMicroelectronics and Valencell Partner to Develop Biometric Sensor Platform

On January 3, Valencell, a leader in high-performance biometric data sensor technology innovation, and STMicroelectronics (ST), a global leader in semiconductor applications across multiple electronic applications, recently introduced a new high-precision, scalable Biometric Sensor Development Kit.

In the new development kit, the compact and ready-to-use STMicroelectronics SensorTIle multi-sensor module integrates Valencell's BenchmarkTM biometric sensor system, which combines the most practical sensor portfolio on the market to support state-of-the-art wearable applications. .

SensorTIle is a miniature IoT (IoT) sensor module (13.5mm x 13.5mm) with built-in high-performance STM32L4 microcontroller, BluetoothTM low-power Bluetooth chipset, various high-precision motion and environmental MEMS sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) , magnetometers, pressure sensors, temperature sensors) and digital MEMS microphones.

By integrating ST's SensorTIle development kit and Valencell's Benchmark sensor technology, the partners offer designers a complete suite of Valencell PerformTek technology that can be immediately integrated and installed into wearable devices, simplifying the prototyping of innovative wear and IoT solutions. Functional evaluation, product development. This collaboration continues the previous collaboration between the Valencell BenchmarkTM sensor system and the STM32 MCU and sensor.

Tony Keirouz, vice president of market for microcontrollers, security and IoT applications at STMicroelectronics, said: "Valencell's Benchmark solution uses ST's high-precision MEMS sensor technology and compact size, flexible configuration of SensorTIle modules, and an open development environment based on STM32. The ecosystem. SensorTile integrates with Benchmark, enabling wearables manufacturers to quickly and easily develop products that integrate high-precision biometric sensors."

Steven LeBoeuf, founder and president of Valencell, said: "Working with STMicroelectronics allows us to integrate the best sensors of our class and support the most advanced wearable design through our groundbreaking Benchmark sensor system. We have taken a look at the SensorTile sensor. The platform's flexibility and ultra-low power consumption allow our customers to develop high-precision, high-performance wear and earwear in a variety of sizes."

With a package area slightly larger than 180mm2, STMicroelectronics SensorTile is the smallest ready-to-use sensor module of its kind, and also integrates MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, pressure sensors and MEMS microphones. The internal STM32L4 low-power microcontroller can be used as a sensing and connectivity controller for developing firmware for installing wearables, game accessories, smart home or IoT hardware.

To expand functionality, SensorTile has a complete BluetoothTM low energy Bluetooth transceiver that includes a miniature balun and various system interfaces. The module is plugged into the motherboard very simply. After power-up, SensorTile immediately transmits inertial, audio and environmental data to ST's BlueMS smartphone application, which can be downloaded for free from mainstream app stores.

Valencell's PerformTek® sensor system provides accurate, robust and flexible biometrics for a wide range of biometric-based earwear and wearable devices. This technology allows wearable and ear-wearing devices to continuously and accurately measure blood flow signals, even when the body is doing extreme motion or when the light signal is weak. Measurement signals are converted into biometric data, including continuous heart rate, VO2 and VO2 max, static heart rate, dynamic heart rate, heart rate recovery, continuous energy expenditure (fat burning), cardiac efficiency, and heart rate variability assessment.