STMicroelectronics Launches Advanced Bio-Sensing Chip for Next-Generation Wearables

STMicroelectronics (ST), a global leader in semiconductors, has introduced the ST1VAFE3BX, an innovative bio-sensing chip designed for the latest healthcare wearables such as smartwatches, sports bands, connected rings, and smart glasses. This new chip integrates high-accuracy biopotential inputs with ST’s inertial sensing and AI-powered capabilities to deliver faster performance and reduced power consumption.

Simone Ferri, Vice President of the MEMS Sub-Group at ST, explained:
“Wearable technology has transformed personal health awareness and fitness tracking. Now, anyone can monitor heart rate, physical activity, and location data directly from their wrist. Our latest biosensor takes this a step further, combining motion detection and body signal monitoring in a compact, energy-efficient design.”

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Opportunities for Wearable Innovation Beyond the Wrist

Analysts at Yole Development predict significant growth in wearables, with consumer healthcare devices expanding into regulated medical products available over-the-counter. The ST1VAFE3BX offers manufacturers the ability to integrate advanced features like heart-rate variability, mental health tracking, and cognitive performance monitoring.

The versatility of this biosensor allows it to be used not just in wrist-based devices but also in wearable patches designed for lifestyle monitoring or clinical applications. Early adopters, including BM Innovations GmbH (BMI) and Pison, have already integrated the sensor into their latest product developments.

Richard Mayerhofer, Managing Director of BMI, noted:
“ST’s biosensor enabled us to create a new generation of athlete performance monitoring solutions, including ECG-enabled chest bands and small wearable patches. By combining analog biopotential signals with motion data in a compact package, it allows for context-aware analysis. Support for AI algorithms within the chip aligns perfectly with the needs of our advanced monitoring systems.”

David Cipoletta, CTO of Pison, added:
“ST’s biosensor has greatly improved our ability to enhance the user experience of wearable devices. It enables gesture recognition, monitors cognitive performance, and supports applications focused on neurological health.”

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Compact, Power-Efficient Design for Enhanced Wearables

The ST1VAFE3BX chip is designed to fit into compact wearable devices, featuring a 2mm x 2mm 12-lead LGA package. It integrates an analog front end (vAFE) that simplifies the detection of biopotential signals, such as heart or brain activity, even when sensors are affected by skin conditions or electrode placement.

Manufacturers can use the ST1VAFE3BX for applications like:

• ECG (electrocardiography)
• EEG (electroencephalography)
• SCG (seismocardiography)
• ENG (electroneurography)

These features allow device makers to develop affordable, user-friendly health monitoring products that provide reliable insight into the user’s physical and emotional well-being.

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Leveraging AI and Inertial Sensing for Smarter Wearables

Building on ST’s expertise in MEMS technology, the ST1VAFE3BX integrates an accelerometer to track the user’s movement. By synchronizing inertial data with biopotential measurements, the chip helps wearable devices understand the relationship between physical activity and vital signs more effectively.

The chip also features AI capabilities, including a machine-learning core (MLC) and a finite state machine (FSM). These components allow product designers to implement neural processing on the chip, enabling it to autonomously perform activity detection without relying on the host CPU. This not only accelerates system response times but also reduces power consumption, allowing smart devices to operate longer between charges.

ST offers software tools through its MEMS Studio, part of the ST Edge AI Suite, to help designers optimize the chip’s performance and build custom decision trees for the MLC.

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Technical Specifications of the ST1VAFE3BX

• Analog Front End (vAFE): Programmable gain and 12-bit ADC resolution for precise biopotential measurements.
• Maximum Data Rate: Up to 3200Hz, supporting diverse physiological measurements.
• Power Supply Range: Operates between 1.62V to 3.6V with a typical current of 50µA and a low-power mode consuming just 2.2µA.
• Accelerometer: Programmable full-scale range from ±2g to ±16g for accurate movement detection.
• AI Functionality: On-chip MLC and FSM enable advanced features such as step counting, pedometer, and activity detection.

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Availability and Pricing

The ST1VAFE3BX is currently in production and available for purchase through ST’s eStore and authorized distributors. Free samples are also offered to customers, with bulk orders starting at $1.50 per unit for 1,000 units.

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Demonstration at Electronica 2024

Visitors to Electronica 2024 in Munich, from November 12 to 15, can experience live demonstrations of the ST1VAFE3BX at ST’s booth in Hall C3, Stand 101. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore its full potential for wearable applications and learn more about how the chip is driving innovation in healthcare technology.

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Conclusion

With the launch of the ST1VAFE3BX, STMicroelectronics is advancing the capabilities of health and fitness wearables, providing manufacturers with a powerful tool to create smarter, more efficient devices. Thanks to AI integration, inertial sensing, and a compact, energy-efficient design, this biosensor opens new possibilities for health monitoring, cognitive tracking, and wellness applications, supporting the growing trend of personalized healthcare.

For more information, visit the official ST website at www.st.com/biosensors.