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Valencell launched two new versions of its Benchmark biometric sensor systems. These are highly accurate biometric sensor modules that incorporate the company’s PerformTek biometric technology. The two new designs include Benchmark BE2.0, a version designed specifically for hearables, and Benchmark BW2.0, a 2-LED version of its original Benchmark sensor system for wearables worn at the wrist and arm. Both modules feature a smaller footprint and more power efficiency than previous models.
The ready-to-integrate modules enable hearable and wearable devices to continuously and accurately measure blood flow signals, even during extreme physical activity and in daily activities such as typing, said Valencell. These signals can be translated into biometric data, including continuous heart rate, VO2 and VO2 max, RR-interval (RRi), resting heart rate, heart rate response, heart rate recovery, continuous energy expenditure (calorie burn), cardiac efficiency and heart rate variability (HRV) assessments.
The Benchmark BE2.0 biometric sensor incorporates all necessary hardware and software for a complete biometric sensor system, including optical emitters, detector, optomechanical design, accelerometer and MCU, programed with Valencell's patented active signal characterization for motion- and environmental-artifact removal. The BE2.0 is smaller than Valencell's previous ear sensor modules.
The Benchmark BW2.0 module, the next generation of the Benchmark sensor system for wrist and arm wearables, is 33 percent smaller and 25 percent more power efficient than the previous model, and includes all of Valencell's PerformTek biometric technology in a pre-packaged module.
“Benchmark BW2.0 has an optimized design that provides the option to separate the MCU from the optical sensor, which gives customers the flexibility to move the MCU to another location and enable overall reduced device size or space for additional components in the device,” said Valencell.
Applications include consumer hearables and wearables, healthcare/medical, military, first responder, and gaming.
"As the market for wearables and hearables continues to grow, we are seeing a tremendous demand for our Benchmark sensor systems, which deliver the most accurate optical biometric sensor technology for wearables in the world, into a ready-to-integrate module," said Dr. Steven LeBoeuf, president and co-founder of Valencell, in a statement.
Benchmark sensors systems have been tested and validated on subjects of varying age, fitness level, gender, skin tone and gender in the Valencell Biometrics Lab . The accuracy of Valencell's PerformTek technology has been independently validated by research institutions, including Duke University, NC State University, and the American College of Sports Medicine.
Availability: Benchmark development kits, which include a reference design test module, several sensor modules and a development board, are now available for all Benchmark versions and can be ordered at info@valencell.com.
Pricing: N/A
Valencell is showcasing the PerformTek biometric sensor technology at CES 2017, Tech West, Sands Expo, Level 2, booth #44330, Las Vegas.
