Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAXREFDES100#

Overview

MAXREFDES100# from Maxim Integrated is a fully integrated health sensor reference design platform built around the MAX32620 ARM Cortex-M4F microcontroller, featuring the MAX30003 biopotential AFE, MAX30101 pulse oximeter/HR sensor, dual MAX30205 skin temperature sensors, LIS2DH and LSM6DS3 motion sensors, and BMP280 barometric pressure sensor - enabling rapid evaluation of clinical-grade ECG, SpO₂, temperature, motion, and pressure sensing in wearable and fitness systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAXREFDES100# datasheet, MAXREFDES100# pinout, MAXREFDES100# application, or MAXREFDES100# equivalent, this platform supports USB-C and BLE 4.0 connectivity, mbed-based firmware customization, drag-and-drop programming via MAXREFDES100HDK#, direct flash logging, and GUI-driven configuration of all on-board sensors for medical and high-end fitness prototyping.

Technical Context

The MAXREFDES100# implements a multi-sensor fusion architecture with centralized control by the MAX32620 MCU, which manages register-level configuration of seven discrete sensors over SPI (MAX30003), I²C (MAX30205 ×2, MAX30101, BMP280, LIS2DH, LSM6DS3), and dedicated analog interfaces. Power sequencing is handled by the MAX14720 PMIC with programmable 1.2V/1.8V/3.3V rails and button-initiated on/off control.

Sensor data acquisition supports concurrent real-time streaming via USB CDC virtual COM port (Windows GUI) or BLE GATT services (Android app), with optional autonomous flash logging. Firmware is interrupt-driven and RPC-based, enabling remote configuration of sampling rates, LED drive currents, filter settings, and MUX routing without host-side processing.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAXREFDES100# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable device development, clinical trial instrumentation, and high-end fitness product validation requiring stable component supply, full BOM transparency, and production-ready firmware examples.

Supply support for MAXREFDES100# includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and digital ICs for medical, industrial, and communications applications, with deep expertise in low-power sensor interfaces and health monitoring solutions.

The MAXREFDES100# belongs to Maxim's "hSensor" reference design platform family, created specifically to accelerate evaluation and integration of Maxim's clinical-grade biopotential, optical, thermal, and motion sensor ICs into FDA-regulated and consumer wellness products.

FAQ

What is included in the MAXREFDES100# reference design kit?

The MAXREFDES100# kit includes the main health sensor board, the MAXREFDES100HDK# programming adapter, USB Type-C and micro-USB cables, CR2032 battery holder, two ECG cables, and access to full design resources including schematics, Gerber files, firmware source code, Windows GUI software, and Android app. All components are pre-assembled and factory-tested.

Does the MAXREFDES100# support both USB and BLE communication simultaneously?

No - the MAXREFDES100# uses exclusive mode selection based on USB CC pin states: USB-C connection alone enables CDC serial communication; BLE operation requires standalone battery power or USB-powered operation with the Android app. The hardware isolates conflicting signals using MAX4741 analog switches controlled by MAX9064 comparators.

Can I modify the firmware on the MAXREFDES100# board?

Yes - the MAXREFDES100# runs firmware based on the ARM mbed OS environment targeting the MAX32620HSP platform. Developers can customize sensor drivers, data processing pipelines, and BLE GATT services using the open-source mbed SDK, with drag-and-drop programming supported via the included MAXREFDES100HDK# adapter.

What sensors are integrated on the MAXREFDES100# and how are they interfaced?

The MAXREFDES100# integrates MAX30003 (SPI), MAX30101 (I²C), dual MAX30205 (I²C, distinct addresses), LIS2DH (I²C), LSM6DS3 (I²C), and BMP280 (I²C). All sensors are directly connected to the MAX32620 MCU with no intermediate logic; register-level access is exposed in the GUI's Registers tab and Android app.

Is the MAXREFDES100# suitable for regulatory submissions such as FDA 510(k)?

The MAXREFDES100# itself is a reference design, not a certified medical device. However, it incorporates FDA-aligned sensor ICs (e.g., MAX30205 meets ASTM E1112 clinical thermometry specs) and provides traceable, production-ready firmware and hardware - making it a validated starting point for building and documenting Class II medical devices under FDA QSR and ISO 13485 requirements.