The Sponsored Kit designed for the Smart Home & Healthcare Challenge on the element14 platform consists of key components from renowned manufacturers (Analog Devices and 3M), along with additional prototyping accessories and branded swag.
The following overview describes the main components, their key characteristics, and their potential applications in the development of the VitalSense physiological-monitoring research platform.
1. Analog Devices MAX30208EVSYS# Evaluation System
Quantity in kit: 1
Description and main specifications: An evaluation system for the MAX30208 digital temperature sensor. The sensor is specified for ±0.1°C accuracy over the 30°C to 50°C temperature range. The evaluation system includes a MAX30208 sensor interface board, a MAX32630FTHR microcontroller board, and a flexible PCB carrying the sensor.
Project application: The system will serve as the starting point for evaluating temperature acquisition, sensor response, and measurement repeatability. Its compact sensor assembly and low thermal mass make it relevant to wearable and body-temperature-monitoring research. The accuracy of the complete measurement setup will depend on sensor placement, thermal contact, environmental conditions, and the measurement procedure.
2. Analog Devices MAXREFDES117# Reference Design
Quantity in kit: 1
Description and main specifications: A low-power optical heart-rate and pulse-oximetry reference design based on the MAX30102 sensor, with integrated red and infrared LEDs and supporting electronics.
Project application: The module will be used to investigate photoplethysmography (PPG), heart-rate estimation, and SpO₂ estimation. The reference design includes example source code and a basic algorithm for these measurements. It can be integrated with compatible development platforms, including Arduino-based systems, and adapted to other microcontrollers where suitable drivers and interfaces are implemented.
3. 3M EM25TP-0050 EMI Absorber Material
Quantity in kit: 1 piece (340mm x 340mm x 0.05mm sheet, EM25TP series)
Description and main specifications: A thin, flexible electromagnetic interference (EMI) absorber material from the 3M EM25TP family. The EM25TP family is designed to absorb electromagnetic energy over specified frequency ranges and can also provide magnetic-field shielding in applicable frequency ranges.
Project application: The material will be investigated as a potential aid in reducing selected electromagnetic interference in sensitive electronic prototypes. It may be useful when evaluating interference from wireless modules, switching circuits, and other electronic components. Its effectiveness will depend on the interference frequency, material placement, and overall system design.
The absorber will be treated as an experimental EMI-mitigation measure rather than a universal solution for electrical noise or measurement errors.
4. 3M 8810 Thermally Conductive Adhesive Transfer Tape
Quantity in kit: 1 roll, 3M 8810 series.
Description and main specifications: A thermally conductive adhesive transfer tape intended to provide an adhesive interface between suitable components and heat-dissipating surfaces.
Project application: The tape may be useful for selected thermal-management and mechanical-assembly experiments involving electronic components and enclosures. In the VitalSense project, its use near temperature sensors will be evaluated carefully because thermal coupling, heat flow, and contact conditions can influence the measured temperature.
The tape will not be assumed to improve body-temperature measurement accuracy without experimental evidence.
5. Multicomp MCBB830K Solderless Breadboard
Quantity in kit: 1
Description and main specifications: A solderless prototyping breadboard, providing 830 connection points.
Project application: The breadboard will support rapid prototyping of low-voltage circuits, including sensor interfaces (such as the MAX30208 or MAXREFDES117), microcontroller connections, and signal-conditioning experiments. It allows components to be connected and rearranged without soldering.
6. Community Swag and Accessories (element14 Branded Swag)
- Basketball Cup
- Sticker and Pin (with element14 branding) - Community swag for challenge participants, perfect for decorating project enclosure or workspace.
The sponsored kit provides a useful starting point for developing and evaluating a physiological-monitoring research platform. The Analog Devices components support temperature sensing and optical PPG experiments, while the 3M materials offer opportunities to investigate electromagnetic interference mitigation and thermal assembly. The solderless breadboard supports rapid hardware prototyping.
Within VitalSense, these resources will be used to investigate sensor integration, data acquisition, signal processing, thermal behavior, and measurement repeatability. The objective is to develop and experimentally evaluate a modular prototype for physiological monitoring, rather than to assume clinical performance from component specifications alone.
The results will help identify practical design considerations for future wearable, smart-home, and portable healthcare-monitoring prototypes.