Interfacing Pulse Sensor Module with Arduino

Pulse Sensor Module

The Pulse Sensor is a plug-and-play heart-rate sensor designed for Arduino. It can detect the heartbeat by sensing the changes in blood volume through the fingertip or earlobe, making it perfect for fitness trackers, health monitors, and DIY biomedical projects.

Working Principle of Pulse Sensor

The sensor works by shining a light onto the skin and measuring the amount of light that is reflected back. With each heartbeat, the volume of blood changes slightly, affecting the reflection. These changes are picked up by a photodiode and converted into electrical signals, which the Arduino can read and interpret as pulse data.

Experiment of Code

When the sensor is placed on the skin, it uses an LED to emit light and a photodetector to measure the amount of light that reflects back. Each heartbeat causes a spike in the signal. This analog signal is read by the Arduino, which can then calculate beats per minute (BPM) in real-time.

Wiring the Pulse Sensor to Arduino

Connect the Pulse Sensor's VCC to Arduino's 3.3V or 5V, GND to GND, and Signal to an analog input pin like A0. Ensure the sensor is securely attached to a fingertip or earlobe for accurate readings. Optional: use a breadboard and jumper wires for easy setup.

Features of Pulse Sensor

Analog Pulse Output

  • Connects to an analog input pin on the Arduino.
  • Reads varying voltage levels generated by blood flow.
  • Can be processed with signal smoothing and beat detection algorithms.

Plug-and-Play Design

  • Ready-to-use module with only three connections: VCC, GND, and Signal.
  • No need for external circuitry for basic functionality.
  • Ideal for wearable and embedded health monitoring systems.

Pin Configuration of Pulse Sensor

Pulse Sensor Module

  • VCC: Connect to 3.3V or 5V on Arduino.
  • GND: Connect to Arduino GND.
  • Signal: Connect to an analog input pin (e.g., A0).

Algorithm

  1. Initialize Components

    • Connect Pulse Sensor to Arduino as per wiring.
    • Install the PulseSensor Playground library in Arduino IDE.

  2. Write the Code

    • Include the PulseSensor library.
    • Set up the signal input pin.
    • Configure BPM detection and threshold sensitivity.

  3. Read Pulse Data

    • Use the library to read real-time analog pulse signals.
    • Display BPM on serial monitor or OLED display.
    • Visualize heartbeats with LED blinking or serial graphing.

  4. Test the System

    • Upload the code and open the Serial Monitor.
    • Place the sensor on a fingertip or earlobe.
    • Check the real-time BPM and heartbeat waveform.

Applications

  • Fitness trackers and smartwatches
  • Health monitoring systems
  • Biofeedback experiments
  • Stress detection devices
  • Athlete training and performance tools
  • Wearable health tech

Conclusion

Interfacing a Pulse Sensor with Arduino lets you explore real-time biometric sensing. From fitness gadgets to medical research tools, this compact module provides an engaging way to measure and visualize heart rate with minimal components.