Mohiuddin Ahmed

BioE 431
Lab Report 6
LAB SECTION: MONDAY’S 11-1:50PM
APRIL 7, 2017
Partner: ALEX LU
Lab 6: Photoplethysmographer PCB Circuit
Abstract:

This lab summarizes product development of simple equipment. Initially, it begins

with soldering a circuit board with specified components in a similar manner to

commercial production. Afterwards, concepts relating to the utility of printed circuit

boards (PCB’s) are made apparent during device construction and demonstration. The

printed circuit board utilized in this lab develops a photoplethysmographer which utilizes

diodes and a phototransistor. The lab culminates in a device that can detect biosignals

from the body such as heart rate.

Introduction:

Printed circuit boards are composed of a resin based mechanical support the

makes up most the board. Copper is either plated or etched onto the surface between

“fingers” (conductive holes for components to fit in) to form a predetermined circuit.

PCB’s are effective because they are efficient for all but the simplest of circuits and

allow commercialization and mass production of high-utility circuits such as biosensors.

Components such as resistors, diodes, capacitors, etc. need to be soldered into the

circuit board. Essentially, the metal leads of a component will be fit through the fingers

in a specific designation on the circuit board. Solder is then applied to the component

lead-finger interface to securely create a electrically conductive fixation on the printed

circuit board. Once all components are soldered onto the board the device can be

supplied power.

This lab assembles a plethysmographer which is a circuit that utilizes diodes and

a phototransistor to essentially send out wavelengths of light and then gauge the signal

content of the measurand—heart rate in this case—utilizing the properties of light and

their effect on the human body (such as the hemoglobin in blood). Plethysmographer

have various applications because the wavelength emitted and analyzed can be altered

depending on the desired biosignal in the human body, but in this lab, the focus will be

on creating a device that serves the same function as a pulse oximeter. A Zener diode

is also featured in this lab because it can be used as a voltage regulator. An LED is

featured in this lab as a means of visualizing the output of the phototransistor.

Essentially, the frequency at which the LED blinks should be directly representative of

the heart rate detected when a finger is held over the phototransistor.

Procedure:

• Plug in and begin heating the soldering iron and obtain solder

• Place the unassembled PCB into any type of holder to mechanically support the

board during the soldering process.

• Gather the components as described in the lab manual:

• Utilize Figure 7 from the lab manual as a reference to refer back to periodically

while constructing the circuit:

• Assemble the PCB in the following manner:

o Solder all resistors first (designated R1, R2, etc.) on the board

o Install the Zener diode, look for the black band and match it to the band

seen on the PCB to ensure the anode/cathode polarity

o Solder the IC chips and be extra cautious as to orient them in the right

manner before soldering (match the indentation on the IC chip with the

schematic on the PCB)

o Solder the potentiometer component

o Solder the capacitor components (utilize a non-polarity capacitor to be

extra safe as the PCB)

o Install the LED making sure the longer lead faces away from the

potentiometer. Most LEDs feature a slightly blunt end which can be

matched with the schematic on the PCB

o Install the HoneyWell phototransistor and again recognize it has a specific

orientation that can be aligned with the schematic on the PCB

o Install the battery clip and again recognize the orientation matters.

o Solder a temporary jumper per Figure 8 in the lab manual

o Have the board inspected by your instructor

o Connect the battery and ensure no component is heating up, if not, leave

the battery connected

o Adjust the potentiometer such that the LED is very dim but visible

o Disconnect the battery

o Remove the jumper previously installed

o Connect the battery and generally test the circuit by placing a human

finger over the HoneyWell phototransistor

o Verify the circuit works and then disconnect the battery until the device is

needed again

Results:

Q1)

[REDACTED]
[1] Allen, J. Photoplethysmography and its application in clinical physiological

measurement. Physiological Measurement 28:R1-R39, 2007.

Q2)

[REDACTED]

Q3)

Place finger
here for
measurement

LED lights up
to match
heart rate

Discussion:
 This lab required a PCB to be assembled via soldering of components.

The finished product is a photoplethysmographer which in this instance can

be used to function in a similar manner to a pulse oximeter. We soldered all

the components utilizing proper soldering technique and circuit building

etiquette (tallest components last for example). Afterwards, a power supply

was connected and the finished circuit was tested to determine if it performed

is intended function of detecting heart rate when a human finger is placed

atop the emitter/detector component of the circuit. The LED blinks based on

the detected wavelengths of light which then corresponds to pulsatile flow of

blood and ultimately the heart rate of the human specimen. The results

indicate the PPG constructed does in fact blink in accordance with human

heart rate. This would only occur if each of the components was soldered

correctly and in the right orientation; components would burn out or not

function otherwise. Therefore, the completed product of this lab is a general

use PPG that in this instance can be used to replicate the function of a pulse

oximeter commonly seen in the clinical setting.