PulseSensor Heart Rate Sensor Module

The PulseSensor is a plug-and-play heart rate sensor designed for use with microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP32, and micro:bit. Button-sized and lightweight, it allows you to measure your pulse in real-time for wearable projects, biofeedback installations, or educational demos.

Operating on the principle of photoplethysmography (PPG), the sensor shines a green LED (525 nm) through your skin. A light sensor (APDS-9008) detects changes in light absorption caused by blood flow with each heartbeat. The raw analog signal is then amplified by an MCP6001 operational amplifier and filtered to provide a clean output that your microcontroller can easily read.

Specifications

• Sensing Principle: Photoplethysmography (PPG)
• LED: Green (525 nm)
• Photodetector: APDS-9008
• Amplifier: MCP6001 Op-Amp
• Supply Voltage: 3.3 V to 5.5 V DC
• Current Draw: < 4 mA
• Output: Analog (0.3 V to Vcc)
• PCB Diameter: 15.8 mm
• Cable: 3-pin, approx. 20 cm length
• Compatibility: Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi Pico, micro:bit

Note: Electrical insulation (using the included vinyl dots) is required between the sensor and skin to ensure a reliable signal. Libraries and tutorials are available at pulsesensor.com.