RoadTest: MAX30001 EV Kit (ECG, BioZ, Heart Rate, and Pace)
Author: s2000gt
Creation date:
Evaluation Type: Development Boards & Tools
Did you receive all parts the manufacturer stated would be included in the package?: True
What other parts do you consider comparable to this product?:
What were the biggest problems encountered?: Minor install issue with windows 7. Readings easily distorted by movement, this could be a real problem for wearables
Detailed Review:
I would like to thank Maxim semiconductor for such an interesting and different road test platform. Although I do work in the medical equipment field,
the areas of Bio Impedance and ECG monitoring are new to me.
Overview:
The MAX30001EVSYS is a very easy board to work with numerous test points and jumper locations. The board is quite large and the layout
makes it simple to reconfigure settings. It would however be nice if the documentation had a jumper settings illustration based on board location as
some of the board text is rather small.
The board also includes a MAX32630FTHR board which allows the MAX30001 chip to communicate to the windows pc over USB.
This board has many features not tested in this roadtest including Bluetooth,Power management, 6 axis accelerometer and data logging SD slot.
The kit includes a nice set of leads, but i would recommend increasing this from 3 to 5 as there are some tests in the software
that need a 5 lead set.
Software:
The GUI software has a main page for quick start settings for the main functions as well as self test routines.
ECG functions have Channel and MUX screens.
BioZ functions have Channel, MUX and Load screens.
Pace function channel screen
SD logging function screen
Data registers and Advanced screens
Test Runs:
First up is ECG monitoring. The unit provide a self test function so i tried this first.
The function provided a steady R to R or pulse rate.
Next was to measure my actual ECG using the included leads and ECG electrodes(not included).
The illustrations show the characteristics of a typical heartbeat and electrode placement.
Now for the real thing, adequate for R to R, not so much for ECG monitoring.
Next is Pace detection, this is for people with a pacemaker.
Here again the software provides a self test function for this.
Finally we come to Bio Impedance. This is perhaps the most interesting aspect of this device from a development standpoint.
While there are many devices on the market that will display a persons heart rate. Bio Impedance has several applications,
the most common being Bio Impedance analysis to determine body mass (BMI) on fat and non fat areas of the body.
The most interesting new application is from a sports medicine (wearables) perspective. Being able to monitor hydration
levels in the whole body with bluetooth connected bands on the arms and legs using this technology.
First up the self test function, standard and mOhm scales.
Bioimpedance calculations for BMI
Calculation of Body Fat %
Lukaski & Bolonchuk's (1988)[1] formula for total body water (TBW) is:
TBW = 0.372(S²÷R) + 3.05(Sex) + 0.142(W) - 0.069(age)
S = Height in centimetres
R = Resistance
W = Weight in Kg
Sex Male =1 Female = 0
Age in years
Example
Athlete is male, 25 years old, height 170cm, weight 65kg - measured resistance is 382
TBW = 0.372(170² ÷ 382) + 3.05(1) + 0.142(65) - 0.069(25)
TBW = 38.7kg
The hydration constant of the fat free mass (FFM) is 0.73 so we can determine the FFM
FFM = TBW ÷ 0.73 = 38.7 ÷ 0.73 = 53.01 kg
The Fat Mass = Weight - FFM = 65 - 53.01 = 11.99kg
Body Fat % = Fat Mass ÷ Weight x 100 = 11.99 ÷ 65 x 100 = 18.5%
Utilizing 3 lead method for BioZ whole body reading (b).
Conclusion:
I find this a fascinating technology with much potential. The dehydration wearable monitor for runners
or hikers sounds like a great application for this device assuming the multiple monitor bands and
bluetooth implementation could be worked out.
What would i change about the development board, maybe include the programmer for the
MAX32630FTHR board and two more leads. Perhaps add more channels for the ECG function for
better resolution and more logging functionality in the BioZ monitor.
Top Comments
Nice detailed review.
DAB