Types of optical sensors:

1. Single-LED Sensors:
Simple: Uses a single light-emitting diode (LED) to measure light
absorption.
Affordable: Often the most cost-effective option.
Less accurate: Can be prone to noise and interference.
Single-LED Sensors are a basic type of optical heart rate sensor
that use a single light-emitting diode (LED) to measure light
absorption. This simple design makes them affordable and easy to
implement, but they can also be prone to noise and interference.
Key characteristics:
Simple design: Uses a single LED.
Affordable: Often the most cost-effective option.
Less accurate: Can be prone to noise and interference.
How they work:
The LED emits light onto the skin.
Some of the light is absorbed by the blood flowing through the
capillaries.
The remaining light is reflected back towards the sensor.
The sensor measures the amount of reflected light to determine
blood flow and heart rate.
Limitations:
Noise: External factors like ambient light or movement can
interfere with the sensor's readings.
Accuracy: Single-LED sensors may not be as accurate as more
advanced types of optical heart rate sensors.
Applications : Single-LED sensors are often used in lower-cost
fitness trackers and smartwatches, where accuracy is not the
primary concern. They are also used in some medical devices for
basic heart rate monitoring
Ex:
1. Vishay
 VCNL4010
o Combines an infrared (IR) emitter (single LED) and a
photodetector in a single package for proximity sensing.
o Features: Proximity detection, low power consumption.
o Applications: Proximity sensing, gesture detection,
wearables.
2. Osram Opto Semiconductors
 SFH 7050
o Includes a single LED and a photodiode for basic heart
rate monitoring.
o Features: Integrated LED and photodiode, compact
size.
o Applications: Wearable devices, fitness trackers, heart
rate monitors.
3. Maxim Integrated
 MAX30100 / MAX30102
o Uses a single LED and photodetector for pulse oximetry
and heart rate monitoring.
o Features: Integrated analog front-end, power-efficient.
o Applications: Smartwatches, health monitoring
devices, fitness wearables.
4. Lite-On Technology
  LTR-329ALS-01
o Single LED ambient light sensor.
o Features: Low-power consumption, high sensitivity to
ambient light.
o Applications: Mobile devices, smartwatches,
automatic brightness adjustment.
5. Broadcom
 APDS-9002
o A single-LED ambient light sensor.
o Features: Measures ambient light levels for automatic
brightness control.
o Applications: Smartphones, tablets, and other light-
sensitive devices.
6. Rohm Semiconductor
 RPR-0521RS
o Combines a single LED with a phototransistor for
proximity sensing.
o Features: Proximity detection, ambient light sensor.
o Applications: Smartphones, wearables, automatic
light adjustments.
7. AMS (Austriamicrosystems)
 TSL2561
o A digital light sensor with a single LED that measures
ambient light intensity.
o Features: High-resolution light sensing, power-
efficient.
o Applications: Mobile devices, displays, smartwatches.
2. Dual-LED Sensors:
Improved accuracy: Uses two LEDs, one emitting green light and
the other red.
Reduces interference: The difference in absorption between the
two colors can help to reduce noise.
More complex: Requires more sophisticated processing.
Dual-LED Sensors are an improvement over single-LED sensors,
using two LEDs to measure light absorption. One LED typically
emits green light, while the other emits red light.
Key characteristics:
Improved accuracy: The difference in absorption between the two
colors can help to reduce noise and improve accuracy.
More complex: Requires more sophisticated processing.
How they work:
Both LEDs emit light onto the skin.
The amount of light absorbed by the blood varies depending on
the wavelength of the light.
The sensor measures the difference in absorption between the
green and red light.
This difference can provide a more accurate estimate of blood
flow and heart rate.
Advantages: Reduced noise: The use of two LEDs can help to
reduce the impact of external factors like ambient light and
movement.
Improved accuracy: Dual-LED sensors can provide more accurate
heart rate measurements compared to single-LED sensors.
Applications:
Dual-LED sensors are commonly used in higher-end fitness
trackers and smartwatches, where accuracy is a priority. They are
also used in some medical devices for more precise heart rate
mon
Ex:
1. Maxim Integrated
 MAX30102
o Includes dual LEDs (red and infrared) for heart rate and
SpO₂ measurement.
o Features: Low-power, integrated optical biosensor,
small form factor.
o Applications: Wearables, fitness trackers, medical
devices.
 MAX30105
o Dual LEDs (red and infrared) for particle detection,
pulse oximetry, and heart rate monitoring.
o Features: Multi-function sensor with integrated LEDs
and photodetectors.
o Applications: Heart rate monitoring, SpO₂
measurement, smoke detection.
2. AMS (Austriamicrosystems)
 AS7000
o A biosensor module with dual LEDs (green and infrared)
designed for heart rate and SpO₂ measurements.
o Features: Integrated photodetectors, compact design
for wearables.
o Applications: Smartwatches, fitness bands, heart rate
monitoring.
 AS7030B
 o Incorporates dual LEDs (red and infrared) for heart rate
and oxygen saturation monitoring.
o Features: Small and low-power, ideal for continuous
health monitoring in wearables.
o Applications: Fitness trackers, healthcare devices.
3. Texas Instruments
 AFE4490
o Dual-LED sensor for heart rate and SpO₂ monitoring,
specifically designed for pulse oximeter applications.
o Features: Low power, integrated LED drivers, and
photodetectors.
o Applications: Wearable health monitors, pulse
oximeters.
4. Silicon Labs
 Si117x Series
o Multi-wavelength sensor with dual LEDs (green and
infrared) for biometric sensing, including heart rate and
oxygen saturation.
o Features: Low power, high precision, integrated driver
for multiple LEDs.
o Applications: Wearables, fitness trackers, medical
devices.
5. Osram Opto Semiconductors
 SFH 7060
o Dual LEDs (red and infrared) integrated with a
photodiode for pulse oximetry and heart rate
measurement.
o Features: Optimized for wearable health applications,
compact design.
 o Applications: Fitness trackers, smartwatches, SpO₂
monitors.
6. Rohm Semiconductor
 BH1790GLC
o Dual-LED sensor designed for heart rate monitoring
using green and infrared LEDs.
o Features: Low power consumption, high accuracy,
optimized for wrist-based wearables.
o Applications: Smartwatches, fitness bands, heart rate
monitors.
7. Murata
 SCA10H Series
o Dual LEDs (red and infrared) for pulse oximetry and
heart rate monitoring.
o Features: High accuracy for medical-grade applications.
o Applications: Wearable health monitoring, medical
devices.

3. Green Light Sensors:

Sensitive to blood flow: Green light is particularly sensitive to
changes in blood flow.
Can be affected by skin pigmentation: May not be as accurate for
people with darker skin tones.
Green Light Sensors are a type of optical heart rate sensor that
specifically emit green light. Green light is particularly sensitive to
changes in blood flow, making it a good choice for measuring
heart rate. However, green light can be affected by skin
pigmentation, so it may not be as accurate for people with darker
skin tones.
Key characteristics:
Sensitive to blood flow: Green light is particularly sensitive to
changes in blood flow.
Can be affected by skin pigmentation: May not be as accurate for
people with darker skin tones.
How they work:
The green LED emits light onto the skin.
The amount of light absorbed by the blood varies depending on
the level of blood flow.
The sensor measures the amount of reflected light to determine
blood flow and heart rate.
Advantages:
Sensitive to blood flow: Green light can provide accurate heart
rate measurements, especially for people with lighter skin tones.
Disadvantages:
Skin pigmentation: Can be affected by skin pigmentation,
potentially leading to less accurate readings for people with
darker skin tones.
Applications:
Green light sensors are commonly used in optical heart rate
sensors, but they may not be as suitable for people with darker
skin tones. In such cases, other types of optical heart rate
sensors, such as those using infrared light, may be more
appropriate.
Ex:
1. Maxim Integrated
  MAX30112
o Features a green LED for accurate heart rate
monitoring.
o Features: Integrated optical sensor, optimized for
low-power applications in wearables.
o Applications: Fitness trackers, smartwatches,
medical devices.
 MAX30101
o Designed for heart rate monitoring using green,
red, and infrared LEDs, but commonly utilized
with the green LED for heart rate applications.
o Features: Multi-wavelength sensor, low-power,
small form factor.
o Applications: Smartwatches, fitness bands,
wearable health devices.
2. AMS (Austriamicrosystems)
 AS7000
o Incorporates a green LED for heart rate and SpO₂
monitoring.
o Features: Low-power consumption, integrated
LED and photodetectors, compact design.
o Applications: Smartwatches, fitness bands,
healthcare monitoring devices.
 AS7024
o Optimized for heart rate and other biosignal
measurements using green light.
o Features: Small size, suitable for wearable
devices, continuous monitoring capability.
 o Applications: Wearables, heart rate monitors,
fitness trackers.
3. Rohm Semiconductor
 BH1792GLC
o Designed specifically for heart rate monitoring
using green light.
o Features: Low power consumption, high
sensitivity, optimized for wrist-worn devices.
o Applications: Fitness bands, smartwatches, heart
rate monitoring.
 BH1790GLC
o A green-light sensor optimized for high accuracy
heart rate detection in wearable devices.
o Features: Compact, low power, and optimized for
continuous monitoring.
o Applications: Smartwatches, fitness trackers,
health monitoring wearables.
4. Osram Opto Semiconductors
 SFH 7051
o Uses green LEDs for heart rate monitoring and
pulse oximetry applications.
o Features: Integrated green light LED and
photodiode, small size.
o Applications: Wearable health devices, fitness
trackers, smartwatches.
 SFH 7070
o Designed for wearable applications with green
light LEDs for heart rate and biometric sensing.
 o Features: Dual photodiodes and green LED for
high accuracy.
o Applications: Fitness trackers, heart rate
monitors.
5. Silicon Labs
 Si117x Series
o A biosensor featuring green light for heart rate
monitoring.
o Features: Multi-wavelength sensing, but
optimized for heart rate detection using green
light.
o Applications: Wearables, fitness trackers,
smartwatches.
6. Murata
 SCA10H Series
o Green light-based sensor for accurate heart rate
monitoring.
o Features: Optimized for wearable devices and
low-power consumption.
o Applications: Wearables, medical-grade heart
rate monitors.
7. Everlight Electronics
 ALS-PDIC17-51C
o Green light photodiode optimized for heart rate
and pulse detection.
o Features: High accuracy, small form factor.
o Applications: Heart rate monitoring, fitness
trackers, smartwatches.
4. Infrared Sensors:
Less affected by skin pigmentation: Infrared light is less affected
by skin color.
Can be affected by ambient light: May require additional
measures to reduce interference from ambient light.
Infrared Sensors are another type of optical heart rate sensor
that emit infrared light. Infrared light is less affected by skin
pigmentation than green light, making it a good choice for people
with darker skin tones. However, infrared sensors can be affected
by ambient light, so they may require additional measures to
reduce interference.
Key characteristics:
Less affected by skin pigmentation: Infrared light is less affected
by skin color.
Can be affected by ambient light: May require additional
measures to reduce interference from ambient light.

How they work:

The infrared LED emits light onto the skin.
The amount of light absorbed by the blood varies depending on
the level of blood flow.
The sensor measures the amount of reflected light to determine
blood flow and heart rate.
Advantages:
Less affected by skin pigmentation: Infrared sensors can provide
accurate heart rate measurements for people with a wide range
of skin tones.
Disadvantages:
Ambient light: Can be affected by ambient light, potentially
leading to less accurate readings.
Applications:
Infrared sensors are commonly used in optical heart rate sensors,
especially for people with darker skin tones. They may also be
used in combination with other types of sensors to improve
accuracy and reduce interference.
Ex:
1. Maxim Integrated
 MAX30100
o Contains both infrared (IR) and red LEDs for
pulse oximetry and heart rate monitoring.
o Features: Integrated LED, photodetector, low
power.
o Applications: Wearables, fitness trackers, medical
devices.
 MAX30102
o Infrared LED for heart rate and SpO₂ monitoring.
o Features: Low-power, small form factor, ideal for
wearable applications.
o Applications: Smartwatches, fitness trackers,
SpO₂ monitors.
2. AMS (Austriamicrosystems)
 AS7030B
o A biosensor with an infrared LED used for heart
rate monitoring and SpO₂ measurements.
 o Features: Low-power, compact, suitable for
continuous health monitoring.
o Applications: Wearables, health trackers, fitness
devices.
 AS7024
o Includes an infrared sensor for heart rate and
SpO₂ detection.
o Features: Multi-wavelength, highly sensitive,
compact size.
o Applications: Smartwatches, fitness bands,
healthcare devices.
3. Vishay
 TCRT5000
o Infrared reflective sensor with an IR LED and
phototransistor for proximity and object
detection.
o Features: Compact and low-power.
o Applications: Proximity sensing, line-following
robots, wearables.
 VCNL4010
o Combines an infrared emitter and photodetector
for proximity and ambient light sensing.
o Features: Integrated module, low power, small
form factor.
o Applications: Wearables, smartphones, gesture
recognition.
4. Texas Instruments
 AFE4404
 o Infrared and red LED for pulse oximetry and
heart rate monitoring.
o Features: Low power consumption, highly
accurate for continuous monitoring.
o Applications: Medical devices, wearables, SpO₂
and heart rate monitors.
 TMP006
o Infrared thermopile sensor for non-contact
temperature measurement.
o Features: Measures the temperature of objects
without contact.
o Applications: Wearable health devices,
environmental monitoring, non-contact
temperature measurement.
5. Osram Opto Semiconductors
 SFH 7773
o Infrared sensor for proximity and ambient light
sensing.
o Features: Integrated IR LED and phototransistor,
small form factor.
o Applications: Wearables, smartphones, proximity
sensors.
 SFH 7050
o Includes infrared and green LEDs, typically used
for heart rate and pulse oximetry.
o Features: Multi-wavelength for health
monitoring.
o Applications: Fitness trackers, smartwatches,
medical devices.
6. Rohm Semiconductor
 RPR-0521RS
o Integrated infrared LED and phototransistor for
proximity and ambient light detection.
o Features: Low power, compact size.
o Applications: Wearables, smartphones, proximity
sensing.
 BP104F
o Infrared photodiode designed for detecting
infrared radiation.
o Features: High sensitivity, small package.
o Applications: Medical sensors, IR light detection,
wearables.
7. Silicon Labs
 Si1145
o Infrared and UV sensor for ambient light,
proximity, and gesture recognition.
o Features: Multi-sensor, low power, compact.
o Applications: Wearable devices, fitness trackers,
environmental sensing.
 Si117x Series
o Infrared biosensors used for heart rate
monitoring, gesture sensing, and SpO₂
measurements.
o Features: Low power, multi-wavelength support.
o Applications: Fitness trackers, smartwatches,
health devices.
8. Everlight Electronics
  IRM-3638 Series
o Infrared receiver module designed for remote
control applications.
o Features: High sensitivity, compact form.
o Applications: Remote controls, IR communication,
home electronics.
9. Panasonic
 EKMB1101112
o Passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor for
detecting movement based on infrared radiation.
o Features: Low power consumption, small form
factor.
o Applications: Motion detection, security systems,
smart home devices.

5. Photoplethysmography (PPG) Sensors:

Advanced technology: Uses multiple LEDs and photodetectors to
measure changes in blood volume.
Highly accurate: Can provide very precise heart rate
measurements.
More complex: Requires more sophisticated processing and may
be more expensive.
Photoplethysmography (PPG) Sensors are a more advanced type
of optical heart rate sensor that use multiple LEDs and
photodetectors to measure changes in blood volume. This
technology provides highly accurate heart rate measurements
and can be used in a variety of applications.
Key characteristics:
Advanced technology: Uses multiple LEDs and photodetectors.
Highly accurate: Can provide very precise heart rate
measurements.
More complex: Requires more sophisticated processing.
How they work:
Multiple LEDs emit light onto the skin.
The amount of light absorbed by the blood varies depending on
the level of blood flow.
Photodetectors measure the amount of reflected light.
The sensor analyzes the changes in blood volume to calculate
heart rate.
Advantages:
High accuracy: PPG sensors can provide very precise heart rate
measurements, even during intense workouts or in challenging
environments.
Versatility: Can be used for a variety of applications, including
heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation measurement, and
sleep tracking.
Disadvantages:
Complexity: PPG sensors can be more complex and expensive to
implement compared to simpler optical heart rate sensors.
Applications:
PPG sensors are commonly used in high-end fitness trackers,
smartwatches, and medical devices. They are also used in
research settings to study cardiovascular health and performance.
Ex:
1. Maxim Integrated
  MAX30100
o Integrated red and infrared LEDs for heart rate
and SpO₂ monitoring.
o Features: Low power, small form factor,
integrated photodetector.
o Applications: Fitness trackers, smartwatches,
medical devices.
 MAX30102
o Enhanced version of the MAX30100 with
improved performance for heart rate and SpO₂.
o Features: Ultra-low power, integrated analog
front end.
o Applications: Wearables, health monitoring,
pulse oximeters.
 MAX30105
o Includes red, green, and infrared LEDs for
multiple biosensing applications.
o Features: Particle detection, heart rate, and SpO₂
monitoring.
o Applications: Wearables, fitness trackers, health
devices.
2. AMS (Austriamicrosystems)
 AS7000
o Integrated PPG sensor for heart rate and SpO₂
monitoring.
o Features: Red and infrared LEDs, small form
factor, low power.
o Applications: Fitness bands, health monitors,
smartwatches.
  AS7030B
o PPG sensor for optical heart rate and blood
oxygen measurements.
o Features: Compact, low-power, multi-channel
optical sensing.
o Applications: Wearables, heart rate monitors,
health monitoring devices.
 AS7024
o PPG sensor optimized for heart rate and SpO₂
detection in compact wearables.
o Features: Multi-wavelength LEDs, optimized for
continuous monitoring.
o Applications: Fitness trackers, smartwatches,
health monitoring devices.
3. Silicon Labs
 Si117x Series
o PPG sensors for heart rate and blood oxygen
monitoring using infrared and green light.
o Features: Multi-wavelength, low power, accurate
biosensing.
o Applications: Smartwatches, fitness bands,
wearable health monitors.
4. Rohm Semiconductor
 BH1792GLC
o PPG sensor for heart rate monitoring using green
LEDs.
o Features: Low power, optimized for wrist-based
wearables.
 o Applications: Fitness bands, smartwatches,
health monitoring devices.
 BH1790GLC
o Designed for accurate heart rate measurement in
wearables.
o Features: Green-light-based PPG, compact and
power-efficient.
o Applications: Fitness trackers, health monitoring
wearables.
5. Texas Instruments
 AFE4403
o Analog front-end sensor for PPG heart rate and
SpO₂ measurements.
o Features: Low power, high accuracy, integrated
photodetectors and LEDs.
o Applications: Wearable health monitors, pulse
oximeters, smartwatches.
 AFE4490
o Specifically designed for pulse oximeters and
heart rate monitors using PPG.
o Features: Infrared and red LEDs, optimized for
continuous health monitoring.
o Applications: Smartwatches, medical devices,
wearables.
6. Osram Opto Semiconductors
 SFH 7050
o PPG sensor for heart rate and pulse oximetry
with integrated green, red, and infrared LEDs.
o Features: Compact, optimized for wearables.
 o Applications: Fitness trackers, smartwatches,
health monitoring devices.
 SFH 7060
o Designed for PPG applications, integrating multi-
wavelength LEDs for heart rate and SpO₂
monitoring.
o Features: Compact, highly accurate for wearable
applications.
o Applications: Wearables, medical devices, fitness
trackers.
7. Murata
 SCA10H Series
o PPG sensor for heart rate and SpO₂ monitoring.
o Features: Optimized for wearable devices, multi-
wavelength sensing.
o Applications: Smartwatches, medical devices,
health monitors.
8. Everlight Electronics
 ALS-PDIC17-51C
o Green light PPG sensor optimized for heart rate
monitoring.
o Features: High sensitivity, compact form factor.
o Applications: Smartwatches, fitness bands, heart
rate monitors.
9. LifeQ (in collaboration with manufacturers)
 LifeQ’s technology integrates PPG sensors into
devices for biometric data collection (such as heart
rate and oxygen saturation).
 o Applications: Health monitoring, fitness tracking,
wearables, and medical research.

6. Reflective Sensors:
Measure reflected light: Measure the amount of light reflected
back from the skin.
Can be affected by movement: May not be as accurate during
intense workouts.
Widely used: Commonly used in smartwatches and fitness
trackers.
Reflective Sensors are a common type of optical heart rate
sensor that measure the amount of light reflected back from the
skin. They are widely used in smartwatches and fitness trackers
due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Key characteristics:
Measure reflected light: Measure the amount of light reflected
back from the skin.
Can be affected by movement: May not be as accurate during
intense workouts.
Widely used: Commonly used in smartwatches and fitness
trackers.
How they work:
The sensor emits light onto the skin.
Some of the light is absorbed by the blood flowing through the
capillaries.
The remaining light is reflected back towards the sensor.
The sensor measures the amount of reflected light to determine
blood flow and heart rate.

Advantages:
Simplicity: Reflective sensors are relatively simple and
inexpensive to implement.
Widely used: They are commonly used in wearable devices due to
their versatility.
Disadvantages:
Movement sensitivity: Reflective sensors can be affected by
movement, which can lead to less accurate readings during
intense workouts.
Interference: External factors like ambient light or skin
pigmentation can also interfere with the sensor's readings.
Applications:
Reflective sensors are used in a wide range of wearable devices,
including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and sleep monitors.
They are also used in some medical devices for basic heart rate
monitoring.
Ex:
1. Vishay
 TCRT5000
o Reflective optical sensor with an infrared emitter
and phototransistor.
 o Features: Used for proximity sensing, line
detection.
o Applications: Wearables, robotics, proximity
sensors.
 VCNL4020
o Reflective sensor that integrates a proximity
sensor, ambient light sensor, and IR emitter.
o Features: Compact size, low power.
o Applications: Smartwatches, smartphones,
fitness trackers.
 VCNL4040
o Proximity and ambient light sensor using an
integrated infrared LED and photodetector.
o Features: High accuracy, optimized for low-power
applications.
o Applications: Wearables, smartphones, gesture
recognition.
2. Sharp
 GP2Y0D805Z0F
o Distance measuring reflective sensor with
infrared LED.
o Features: Short-range proximity detection.
o Applications: Proximity sensing, touchless
controls, wearables.
 GP2Y0A21YK0F
o Reflective infrared sensor for distance
measurement.
o Features: Measures from 10 cm to 80 cm.
 o Applications: Distance sensing, object detection,
robotics.
3. Osram Opto Semiconductors
 SFH 7776
o Reflective optical sensor for proximity and
ambient light detection with an integrated
infrared LED.
o Features: High sensitivity, compact form factor.
o Applications: Wearables, smartphones, gesture
detection.
 SFH 7050
o Reflective sensor with integrated red, green, and
infrared LEDs used for heart rate monitoring.
o Features: Optimized for wearables and health
monitoring applications.
o Applications: Smartwatches, fitness trackers,
medical devices.
4. Rohm Semiconductor
 RPR-0521RS
o Reflective sensor with integrated proximity and
ambient light detection using infrared light.
o Features: Low power consumption, small form
factor.
o Applications: Wearables, smartphones, proximity
detection.
5. Everlight Electronics
 IRM-H638T
o Infrared reflective sensor for proximity detection.
 o Features: Compact design, high sensitivity.
o Applications: Wearables, industrial sensors,
proximity sensing.
6. TE Connectivity
 TSOP38238
o Reflective infrared sensor designed for short-
range proximity detection.
o Features: High sensitivity, compact design.
o Applications: Proximity sensing, remote control
systems, wearables.
7. Broadcom
 HSDL-9100
o Reflective infrared sensor for gesture and
proximity sensing.
o Features: Compact, low power consumption.
o Applications: Smartphones, wearables, gesture
recognition.
8. Honeywell
 HOA1405 Series
o Infrared reflective sensor with phototransistor
and IR emitter for object detection.
o Features: Compact design, high reliability.
o Applications: Proximity detection, industrial
automation, medical devices.
9. AMS (Austriamicrosystems)
 AS7030B
o PPG reflective sensor for heart rate monitoring
using green and infrared LEDs.
 o Features: Small, low power, optimized for
wearables.
o Applications: Fitness trackers, smartwatches,
health monitors.

7. Transmissive Sensors:
Measure transmitted light: Measure the amount of light that
passes through the skin.
Less affected by movement: Can provide more accurate readings
during exercise.
Less common: Not as widely used as reflective sensors.
Transmissive Sensors are another type of optical heart rate
sensor that measure the amount of light that passes through the
skin rather than reflecting back. This can provide more accurate
readings during exercise, as it is less affected by movement.
However, they are less common than reflective sensors and may
be more difficult to implement.

Key characteristics:
Measure transmitted light: Measure the amount of light that
passes through the skin.
Less affected by movement: Can provide more accurate readings
during exercise.
Less common: Not as widely used as reflective sensors.
How they work:
The sensor emits light onto one side of the skin.
Some of the light is absorbed by the blood flowing through the
capillaries.
The remaining light passes through the skin and is detected by a
sensor on the other side.
The sensor measures the amount of transmitted light to
determine blood flow and heart rate.
Advantages:
Less affected by movement: Transmissive sensors can provide
more accurate readings during exercise, as they are less sensitive
to movement.
Disadvantages:
Complexity: Transmissive sensors can be more difficult to
implement, as they require a sensor on both sides of the skin.
Less common: They are not as widely used as reflective sensors.
Applications:
Transmissive sensors are less common than reflective sensors but
may be used in specialized applications where accuracy during
exercise is critical. They may also be used in combination with
other types of sensors to improve overall accuracy.
Ex:
1. Vishay
 TCNT2000
o Transmissive optical sensor with phototransistor
output and infrared LED.
o Features: High precision, compact size.
o Applications: Object detection, industrial
sensors, medical devices.
 VSMY2853 (in combination with photodiodes like
VEMD8080)
 o Used in transmissive sensing applications for
pulse oximetry.
o Features: Optimized for medical-grade light
transmission and detection.
o Applications: Medical devices, pulse oximeters,
heart rate monitors.
 VSMF3710
o Infrared emitter combined with phototransistors
for transmissive pulse oximetry.
o Features: High sensitivity for detecting light
transmitted through tissue.
o Applications: Medical wearables, fitness trackers,
oximetry devices.
2. Osram Opto Semiconductors
 SFH 4850
o Transmissive sensor with an infrared emitter for
pulse oximetry and biosensing.
o Features: Low-power, high sensitivity.
o Applications: Medical devices, fitness trackers,
SpO₂ monitors.
 SFH 7051
o Designed for transmissive measurements,
especially in medical applications like pulse
oximetry.
o Features: Red and infrared LEDs for accurate
data collection.
o Applications: Wearables, heart rate monitors,
medical devices.
3. Honeywell
  HOA2001-001
o Infrared transmissive sensor with a slot for
object detection.
o Features: High resolution, precise object
detection through a slotted arrangement.
o Applications: Industrial automation, position
sensing, object detection.
 HOA6982
o Transmissive optosensor for general-purpose
detection of object presence.
o Features: Slot-type design, optimized for
industrial applications.
o Applications: Robotics, automation, presence
detection.
4. Broadcom
 HLC1395
o Transmissive sensor designed for detecting
objects passing through a slot.
o Features: Infrared LED and phototransistor pair,
high accuracy.
o Applications: Industrial automation, robotic
sensing, medical devices.
5. TE Connectivity
 OPB350
o Transmissive sensor for liquid level detection.
o Features: Infrared light transmission through
liquids, high reliability.
o Applications: Medical devices, industrial
automation, liquid level sensing.
  OPB732
o Slotted optical switch with transmissive
detection for object presence.
o Features: Robust design for harsh environments,
high sensitivity.
o Applications: Industrial sensors, position sensing,
automation.
6. AMS (Austriamicrosystems)
 AS7050
o Transmissive sensor for pulse oximetry and heart
rate monitoring using red and infrared LEDs.
o Features: High precision, low power, small form
factor.
o Applications: Wearable health devices, medical
devices, pulse oximeters.
7. Sharp
 GP1A57HRJ00F
o Transmissive infrared sensor with phototransistor
for object detection in a slotted design.
o Features: High resolution, compact size.
o Applications: Object detection, automation,
medical devices.
 GP1S092HCPIF
o Transmissive sensor used for detecting
interruptions or the presence of objects.
o Features: High precision, suitable for compact
spaces.
o Applications: Industrial automation, presence
detection, object sensing.
8. Everlight Electronics
 ITR8307
o Infrared transmissive sensor with a slotted
design for detecting the interruption of light.
o Features: Low power consumption, high
sensitivity.
o Applications: Object detection, industrial
automation, medical applications.
9. Panasonic
 CNZ1120
o Transmissive optical sensor for high-precision
object detection.
o Features: Slot-type design, robust and compact.
o Applications: Robotics, automation, presence
detection.
10. TT Electronics
 OPB960
o Transmissive infrared sensor for object detection,
featuring a slotted mechanism.
o Features: Accurate detection of small objects,
reliable in various environments.
o Applications: Industrial automation, object
detection, healthcare devices.
 Electrical sensors:
1. Photoplethysmography (PPG) Sensors
These sensors detect changes in blood volume using light
absorption:
 MAX30100 (Maxim Integrated)
o Integrated red and infrared LEDs for pulse
oximetry and heart rate monitoring.
 MAX30102 (Maxim Integrated)
o An improved version of the MAX30100 with
enhanced performance for heart rate and SpO₂
monitoring.
 AS7030B (AMS)
o A biosensor for heart rate and SpO₂ monitoring
with integrated red and infrared LEDs.
 BH1792GLC (Rohm Semiconductor)
o Green light PPG sensor designed for heart rate
monitoring in wearables.
 AFE4403 (Texas Instruments)
o Analog front-end sensor optimized for PPG heart
rate and SpO₂ measurements.
 SFH 7050 (Osram)
o PPG sensor that integrates red, green, and
infrared LEDs for heart rate monitoring.
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Sensors
These sensors measure the electrical activity of the heart:
  AD8232 (Analog Devices)
o ECG sensor module designed for low-power
applications, suitable for heart rate monitoring.
 MAX30003 (Maxim Integrated)
o A compact ECG sensor for accurate heart rate
and ECG measurements.
 MCP3911 (Microchip Technology)
o An ECG front-end device that can be used for
heart rate monitoring in wearables.
3. Skin Temperature Sensors
While not directly measuring heart rate, these sensors
can provide additional context about the user's condition:
 TMP117 (Texas Instruments)
o Digital temperature sensor with high accuracy,
often used in conjunction with heart rate sensors
for comprehensive health monitoring.
 MLX90614 (Melexis)
o Non-contact infrared temperature sensor that
can also be used in wearables to track body
temperature.
4. Accelerometers
These sensors can help track heart rate indirectly by
monitoring physical activity:
 ADXL345 (Analog Devices)
o A low-power accelerometer that can help
correlate heart rate data with physical activity.
  MPU6050 (InvenSense)
o A combined accelerometer and gyroscope that
provides data to analyze activity levels, which
can be correlated with heart rate.
5. Additional Sensors
 SPO2 Sensors
o Sensors like the MAX30100 and MAX30102
mentioned earlier also measure oxygen
saturation, providing additional health metrics
alongside heart rate.
 Gyroscope Sensors
o Used to complement accelerometers in
monitoring movement, which can provide
insights into heart rate during physical activity.