Holst Centre, imec Unveil Small, Light Health Patch with Enhanced Accuracy

Holst Centre and imec have unveiled a prototype flexible health patch weighing just 10g – half the weight of current products. The patch uses real-time electrocardiogram (ECG), tissue-contact impedance and accelerometer information to accurately monitor physical activity. Thanks to advanced system in package (SiP) technology from Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd., the electronics module measures less than two by two centimeters. The high accuracy algorithms, low power consumption and small size and weight make it ideal for consumer applications.

A growing public interest in healthy living is driving the emergence of activity monitors, with a number of devices already available that count the steps you take or the calories you burn. Heart rate is a key input in determining activity levels; hence monitors that can be worn comfortably on the chest offer the greatest accuracy. This increases the demand for small, lightweight monitors that can flex and move with your body.

Imec and Holst Centre’s patch makes such applications possible. The accurate patch combines ultra-low power electronics and flexible electrode technology, it includes a 1-lead ECG, a tissue-contact impedance sensor and a 3D accelerometer. Data is processed and analyzed locally, and relevant information is transmitted via Bluetooth Smart (BLS). The patch acquires, processes and communicates data on a minimal energy budget, allowing extended use with smaller batteries. Moreover, the Bluetooth Smart link provides a standardized communication channel to mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets.

“Comfortable, lightweight wearable systems for personal health monitoring are emerging, given their promise to better analyze patient’s physiological parameters. We are excited about working with Shink to successfully bring the technology closer to consumers’ needs,” said Chris Van Hoof, program director Wearable Healthcare at Holst Centre/imec.