sparkfun gator:particle Technical document
SparkFun gator:particle Hookup Guide
Introduction
Do you have an experiment involving biometrics or particle detection?
The gator:particle is an amazing tool that uses a high-sensitivity pulse oximeter and heart-rate sensor, the
MAX30102. Similar to the SparkFun Particle Sensor, with the MAX30105 high-sensitivity optical sensor, the
gator:particle can also be used for particle detection. The primary difference between these boards is that the
SparkFun Particle Sensor also uses a green LED that requires more power than the micro:bit can provide. This
tutorial will show you how to get started using the gator:particle sensor with the gator:bit (v2) in the micro:bit
development environment.
SparkFun gator:particle - micro:bit Accessory Board
SEN-15271
Product Showcase: gator:boards - micro:bit Accessory BoardsProduct Showcase: gator:boards - micro:bit Accessory Boards
Required Materials
To get started, you'll need a micro:bit to control everything.
To easily use the gator board ecosystem, one of the gator:bit boards will help breakout the necessary pins. You will
also need alligator cables to connect the gator:bit to the gator:particle.
SparkFun Inventor's Kit for micro:bit
KIT-14542
micro:bit Go Bundle
DEV-14336
micro:bit Board
DEV-14208
Suggested Reading
There isn't much to learning how to use the gator:particle sensor. However, you may find the following concepts
useful along the way.
SparkFun gator:bit v2.0 - micro:bit Carrier Board
DEV-15162
Alligator Test Leads - Multicolored (10 Pack)
PRT-12978
SparkFun gator:bit
DEV-14484
Light
Light is a useful tool for the electrical engineer.
Understanding how light relates to electronics is a
fundamental skill for many projects.
Logic Levels
Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and
logic levels.
If you aren't familiar with the micro:bit, we recommend reading here for an overview.
micro:bit Ecosystem
I2C
An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded
communications protocols in use today.
MAX30105 Particle and Pulse Ox Sensor
Hookup Guide
The SparkFun MAX30105 Particle Sensor is a flexible
and powerful sensor enabling sensing of distance,
heart rate, particle detection, even the blinking of an
eye. Get ready. Set. Shine!
Product Showcase: micro:bit and SparkFun bitsProduct Showcase: micro:bit and SparkFun bits
We would also recommend taking a look at the following tutorials if you aren't familiar with them.
Hardware Overview
The gator:particle consists of 4 pads for power and data.
Contacts Direction Description
GND N/A Ground: Reference voltage and ground loop.
3.3V In Power: Provides 3.3V to board.
SDA Bi-directional Data: Data and commands are transmitted between the sensor and
microcontroller.
SCL In Clock: The microcontroller provides the timing needed to communicate on
the data line.
Power
Getting Started with the micro:bit
The BBC micro:bit is a compact, powerful programming
tool that requires no software installation. Read on to
learn how to use it YOUR way!
Getting Started with MicroPython and the
SparkFun Inventor's Kit for micro:bit
Learn MicroPython with the micro:bit.
How to Load MicroPython on a Microcontroller
Board
This tutorial will show you how to load the MicroPython
interpreter onto a variety of development boards.
SparkFun gator:bit v2 Hookup Guide
The gator:bit v2 is a breakout board for the BBC
micro:bit. The gator:bit exposes almost every pin on the
micro:bit to clippable pad with circuit protection. It also
has as built-in addressable LEDs and a built-in buzzer.
The specified operating voltage for the MAX30102 is between 1.7V - 2V. For use with the gator:bit (v2) and
micro:bit, you should provide 3.3V through the 3V3 and GND pads to keep the logic levels consistent; the 3.3V
input is then regulated to 1.8V for the MAX30102.
Power connection pads and power indication LED.
MAX30102
The MAX30102 is a high-sensitivity pulse oximeter and heart-rate sensor that communicates over an I C bus. The
MAX30102 uses both red and IR LEDs along with a very sensitive photodetector for pulse oximetry (SpO ), heart-
rate (HR) monitoring, and particle (PM) detection. For the most part, users will only need to know I C addresses to
prevent address conflicts with other devices or sensors.
MAX30102: HR and SpO sensor.
Here are some of the characteristics of the MAX30102 sensor from the datasheet:
Characteristic Range
Operating Voltage 1.8V to 2V
Supply Current Heart Rate and SpO Mode: 600 to 1200 µA
IR Only Mode: 600 to 1200 µA
Operating Temperature -40°C to 85°C
(ΣΔ) ADC Resolution: 15 to 18-bits (programmable)
Sampling Rate: 50 - 3200 sps (programmable)
2
2
2
2
2
IR LED
LED Wavelength: 870 to 900 nm (avg. 880 nm)
Forward Voltage: 1.4V
Radiant Power: 6.5 mW
LED Driver Current: 0 to 50 mA (programmable)
Red LED
LED Wavelength: 650 to 670 nm (avg. 660 nm)
Forward Voltage: 2.1V
Radiant Power: 9.8 mW
LED Driver Current: 0 to 50 mA (programmable)
Photodetector Spectral Range of Sensitivity: 600 to 900 nm
Radiant Sensitive Area: 1.36 mm
I C Address 0xAE - Write Address
0xAF - Read Address
What are Heart-Rate and Oxygen Saturation?
Heart-rate is the speed at which your heart pumps blood through your body. Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive
method of determining saturation of oxygen in your blood. However, this is a peripheral measurement is not
always a direct reflection of the arterial oxygen saturation (SaO ), but two are correlated enough for clinical
purposes. There are a multitude of applications for these measurements; especially, in the medical field.
Here are some examples of studies using HR monitoring and pulse oximetry:
Accuracy of pulse oximeters in estimating heart rate at rest and during exercise
Pulse oximetry: Understanding its basic principles facilitates appreciation of its limitations PDF Download
Experiment: Exercise, Blood Pressure, and Oxygen Saturation Levels
Here are additional resources on how the MAX30102 functions for HR detection and pulse oximetry:
AN6410: Signal to Noise Ratio (PDF)
AN6433: Depth Penetration for Biosensors (PDF)
Maxim: Open Source Heart Rate Algorithm (Arduino)
2
2
2
Heart Rate Monitor DemoHeart Rate Monitor Demo
Note: The MAX30102 can be used as a biosensor that for SpO and HR measurements on finger tips or
earlobes. The sensor does need good contact with constant pressure against the epidermis for accurate
results.
What are Particulates?
Particulate matter is the accumulation of matter (solid or liquid) in Earth's atmosphere. These particles vary in size,
composition, and distribution. Their effects range from individual health on a microscopic scale to regional climate
on a macroscopic scale. Particulate matter is also used in the food industry. Apiarist traditionally use bee smokers
when harvesting honey. Smoking is also a method of flavoring and preserving meats and other products.
Here is a link to some experiments involving PM:
Hands-on Activity: Particulate Matter: For Your Eyes Only
For more information on particulate matter and their detection, check out some of these resources:
Particulate Matter (PM) Basics
Optical Monitoring of Particulate Matter
Maxim: Using Optical Sensors to Detect Particles
Optical Particle Counters
Smoke Detectors
Note: Particle detection is another application of the MAX30102. The sensor relies on the reflection and
scattering of the red and IR light from particles to detect their presence.
I C Connection
I C is a communication protocol used to transfer data between master and slave devices. It is a 2-wire connection
consisting of SDA (data) and SCL (clock). The protocol is pretty well defined so it can be shared with multiple
devices. This is beneficial for daisy chaining multiple devices together on a single bus. The primary thing users will
need to watch out for is address conflicts (you can't have devices with the same address).
I C connection pads.
Hardware Assembly
Connecting your gator:particle to the gator:bit (v2) is simple. The board can also be daisy-chained with other I C
boards. This can easily be done with alligator cables.
2
2
2
2
2
Gator:UV GND 3V3 SDA SCL
Gator:Bit GND 3.3V
OUT
P20
(SDA)
P19
(SCL)
Adding the MakeCode Extension
Note: This tutorial assumes you are familiar with MakeCode, the gato:bit (v2), and the micro:bit board.
If you have not previously used MakeCode, please check out the Quick Start Guide fro micro:bit.
If this is your first time using a micro:bit, please review our Getting Started with the micro:bit guide.
If this is your first time using the gato:bit (v2), please review our SparkFun gator:bit v2 Hookup Guide.
The easiest way to get started using the gator:particle is to use Microsoft MakeCode, a web-based block editor.
This tutorial assumes you are familiar with the with MakeCode, the gato:bit (v2), and the micro:bit development
board. If this is your first time check out this guides linked in the suggested reading section (above).
Installing Extensions
To get started with using MakeCode with the miccro:bit, head over to the MakeCode for micro:bit website by
Microsoft. Then, click the New Project button to start a new project and open the Editor. (*Yes, all you only need
to get start coding is a computer with internet access, an up-to-date web browser, and an available USB port!)
Hardware assembly of connections used in example. Click to enlarge.
Example of daisy chaining multiple I C gator boards. Click to enlarge.
2
Click the New Project button to start a new project and open the Editor. Click on image to enlarge.
Once you have the editor up, click on the the Advanced block in the block library to reveal the drop down menu.
Click on the the Advanced block in the block library to reveal the drop down menu. Click on image to enlarge.
Finally, click on the Extensions block. This should bring up the extensions page. (*Alternatively, you could also
click on the extensions link from the settings menu.)
Click on the the Extensions block to open the extensions page. Click on image to enlarge.
There are two methods for finding the gator:particle extension:
Search for the name used on the extension .
Use the link to the GitHub repository for the pxt-package as the search term.
Use the search bar to find the extension you want to install. Click on image to enlarge.
3
This manual suits for next models
1
Table of contents
Other sparkfun Motherboard manuals
sparkfun
sparkfun ProtoShield User manual
sparkfun
sparkfun MPR121 Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun FreeSoC2 Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun Qwiic Shield for Thing Plus Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun Power Delivery Board - USB-C (Qwiic) Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun gator:bit v2 Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun Qwiic Quad Relay Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun Pi Servo Hat Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun nRF52832 Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun Qwiic MP3 Trigger Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun DEV-16138 Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun ZOE-M8Q User manual
sparkfun
sparkfun Qwiic SHIM for Raspberry Pi Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun DEV-14044 Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun KIT-14173 Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun RV-8803 Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun ESP8266 Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun Raspberry gPIo User manual
sparkfun
sparkfun Pro Micro Technical document
sparkfun
sparkfun Qwiic Shield for Teensy Technical document
