MAXM86146: The Thinnest Dual‑Photodetector Sensor Accelerating Wearable Health Design

Designing sensor integration has never been easier. The MAXM86146 dual‑photodetector optical sensor solution from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (NASDAQ: MXIM) delivers the thinnest optical sensor package for health‑and‑fitness wearables. With embedded algorithms for heart‑rate, SpO₂ monitoring, and advanced activity classification, it frees designers to innovate while keeping devices ultra‑compact.

The MAXM86146 reduces optical stack thickness by 45 % compared to a discrete implementation. Its pre‑validated biosensing algorithms meet stringent medical‑grade standards, allowing teams to cut up to six months from concept to market and focus on differentiated features.

MAXM86146: Simplified Block Diagram (Source: Maxim Integrated)

The wave of wearable health monitors is accelerating, offering unprecedented insight for clinicians and consumers alike. Developers are eager to push this momentum further, unlocking deeper diagnostics and preventive care capabilities.

Key Advantages

• Unmatched Size: A 0.88‑mm package that is 45 % thinner than discrete solutions, combining two photodiodes, an optical AFE, and a microcontroller with on‑chip algorithms for activity classification, heart‑rate, and SpO₂.
• Rapid Time‑to‑Market: Drop‑in module architecture can shave up to six months from development cycles.
• Innovation‑Ready: Pre‑built algorithms free teams to concentrate on adding new functionalities instead of writing custom code.

Industry Insight

“By cutting our development time, Maxim Integrated’s state‑of‑the‑art optical sensor solution enabled us to leap‑frog the competition and focus on new feature introductions,” said Satish Movva, founder and CEO of CarePredict. “Caregivers now have unprecedented remote access to seniors’ activity and behavior indicators through the CarePredict wearable, enhancing health‑condition management from afar.”

“Design space and time to market are at a premium for next‑generation wearable health monitors,” said Andrew Baker, Managing Director of the Industrial and Healthcare Business Unit at Maxim Integrated. “With the world’s thinnest dual‑photodetector optical sensor solution, we give designers the capacity to rapidly launch innovative capabilities.”

Availability & Pricing

The MAXM86146 is sold directly through Maxim’s website at $5.84 (1,000‑up, FOB USA) and through authorized distributors. The MAXM86146EVSYS# evaluation kit is available for $150.

>>> This article was originally published on our sister site, EEWeb.