Easy pulse sensor based on photoplethysmography

(11 Reviews)

Sensor to measure pulse rate from fingertip

Designed by Embedded Lab in United States of America

Easy pulse sensor based on photoplethysmography 1

Easy pulse sensor based on photoplethysmography 2

Easy pulse sensor based on photoplethysmography 3

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Sensor to measure pulse rate from fingertip

What is Easy Pulse? Easy Pulse is a DIY pulse sensor that is designed for hobbyist and educational applications to illustrate the principle of photoplethysmography (PPG) as a non-invasive technique f…

Features of Easy Pulse V1.1

Stable PPG signal output
MCP6004 Opamp based instrumentation with rail-to-rail output capability for maximum output signal swing
Separate analog and digital outputs
Potentiometer gain control for the analog output
Pulse width control for the digital output
Additional test points on board for analyzing signals at different stages of instrumentation
Operates at both +3.3V and +5V
Examples provided for building a pulse rate meter using Easy Pulse and Arduino/chipKIT

Click here for Easy Pulse schematics and details

Click here for User's Guide

Also find details on making a PC-based pulse rate monitor using Arduino and Easy Pulse at the following link:

Pulse rate monitor using Easy Pulse and Arduino

Stand alone pulse rate meter using chipKIT

Important note about shipment

First Class USPS International Package is the standard shipping service that we use for both domestic and international orders, because it is the cheapest shipping option available in the United States. Currently we are shipping this product only to USA, and Canada. Shipping to other countries using USPS is more expensive and less reliable (I have lost two packages last month), and there is not tracking available once the package leaves the USA. International buyers may contact me at rajbex(at)gmail(dot)com to inquire about shipment option to their country.

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Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (4.00)

Documentation: (4.00)

Shipping: (4.71)

Communication: (4.29)

Dan | May 27, 2020

Works well

I wanted a device so I could graph my pulse to show my doctor at the next appointment. They have taken an EKG but that was in the office. Some people have the white coat syndrome and that can affect readings in the doctors office.
This device allowed me to scope both the analog pulse and a digital pulse. The analog signal shows amplitude and a nice pulse. The digital signal shows irregular pulse better than the analog pulse. I put both signals on a dual trace scope so the relationship is very clear. A picture is then printed to take to the doctor.

Rick | Feb. 4, 2020

Pretty damn elegant circuit

After unpacking the module I was able to get it up and running in a few minutes. At first I maintained it at factory settings and with a 4.5 Volt supply it behaved excellently. I Redesigned the PCB to a flexible SMD one for my application. I think the circuit is a pretty damn elegant example of good and esthetic design. I am impressed! My next step is to get a 20mm LCD screen to display, numerically, the pulse rate. I was able to get a digital output at 3 volt supply of three 1.5 V AA cells, but the current draw ~15mA was too much for a CR2032 cell and although it worked at first the circuit only worked for about an hour. I am thinking of powering he circuit with a LiPo 3.7 V rechargeable battery.

Pierre | Sept. 5, 2018

Product does not work

Hi

I already have an Easy Pulse 1.1 sensor but the one I got from Tindie does not work...

what's the procedure to send it back?

Thanks

Pierre

Catalin | March 8, 2018

Good design, but inconsistent manufacturing

I bought two units and while trying to bring up the first one I noticed that it was not functional. Visually comparing the two units, I quickly found that the 2N3904 transistor was missing on the non-functional unit. Upon soldering the right part on the board, full functionality was achieved. Documentation could be a bit more detailed in terms of schematics and layout.
As a product, it would have certainly received 5 starts if it wouldn't waste me almost an hour to find the problem, get the part, solder on PCB, and retest.

Murat | Dec. 3, 2016

excellent product, excellent service

I use this PPG sensor for a project. It is a great product with digital as well as analog o/p and works smoothly. The seller, Raj, responded very quickly to ensure I receive it asap.

Ahmed | July 19, 2016

easy pulse

after trying to figure out the problem with my easy pulse, i e-mailed Raj and he was a great help for me, i explained the problem i had he walk me step by step what to do, my only probelm was i forgot the shunt jumper between the EN pin and VCC pin and finally i was able to make it work

Russ | April 9, 2015

Works well

I added an external "threshold" potentiometer in parallel with the on-board potentiometer, so I could have the entire board enclosed and a large knob to set the cutoff.

One problem, though: the fingertip sensor makes my fingertip go numb after 10 minutes. I am running experiments which can last up to an hour, and for which I need both hands, so I need a sensor which can (for example) be attached with a velcro strap around the wrist. Is there a way to use the TCRT1000 reflective optical sensor, which is used in version 1 of the board? Do I need to get that version of the board in order to use the reflective sensor?

Bob | March 25, 2014

A good product.

I am satisfied with the Easy Pulse Sensor. It's a fine product, and professionally made. The seller is fastidious about customer relations and product satisfaction. He goes the extra mile. If a customer has a problem relating to adjustment, or instruction on how to optimize the product's function, as I did mainly due to my own lack of electrical knowledge, the seller is quick to respond with good, effective answers. My money was well spent and there wasn't so much involved.

Paul | March 9, 2014

Good performance in heartbeat irregularity monitor

I've used the Easy Pulse sensor with an Arduino Nano and Processing to build a heartbeat irregularity monitor that measures and displays the heartbeat inter-beat interval (IBI) and allows rapid audio playback of the heart rhythm for a captured sequence of beats. This information helps quantify the degree of irregularity of an arrhythmic heart and can be useful in investigating the effects of diet, medication, exercise, and other factors. The system works well and details of construction and code sketches for the Arduino and Processing are available at http://www.potomacmeso.com/heart-rhythm-monitor.html.

I found that the USB-derived 5V power source on the Nano has too much noise to allow the Easy Pulse to operate properly. I solved this problem by running the Nano 5V through a 3.3V linear regulator and operating the Easy Pulse at the reduced voltage. The sensor is affected by hand motion, finger temperature, etc., but it provides a very good price/performance value. I'm attaching a photo of the IBI display in Processing for the case of an irregular heartbeat. A normal heartbeat typically has all IBI values nearly equal. Review Image

Response from Embedded Lab | March 10, 2014

Hi Paul,
Thank you for taking time to post the review. I agree the USB-derived 5V power supply gives noisy PPG outputs in some PCs. It might be because the USB port does not provide sufficient current for the IR LED and instrumentation on boad. That's why I have recommended to use an external 5V power supply in the User's Manual.
http://embedded-lab.com/uploads/manuals/EasyPulse_User_Guide.pdf

Thank you for sharing your project.

Leon | Jan. 4, 2014

East Pulse makes a good HEART RATE MONITOR

I have been working on building a HEART RATE MONITOR for some time. The EASY PULSE FINGER CUP did the trick as I needed
a stable sensor. What I did was interface the A0 and D0 outputs of the EASY PULSE BOARD to a PICAXE 20X2 processor to
count pulses or BEATS PER MINUTE and use a 2 Line LCD Display to indicate HEART RATE in BEATS PER MINUTE. I am also
data logging the PICAXE Output to record HEART RATE over a 30 min period as I am doing MEDITATION. Let me know if anyone is interested in this type of experimentation. LEON

Neill | Nov. 26, 2013

Impressed

I purchased this kit after purchasing a Pulsesensor AMPED kit. I'm pleased to say this Easy Pulse kit works much much better. I'm using it in a project with an AVR micro and have found that some statistical filtering is required if you want consistent and accurate readings, however this is the case with all sensors that measure real world events. Overall the quality is excellent. I especially appreciate the fact that the board has mounting holes in each corner. Delivery to New Zealand was reasonably quick.

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