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Electrical Engineering Prototype of an Ear-clip Pulse Oximeter Using MAX30102 Sensor Module

CSEF · 2026 Medicine & Physiology (Senior Division)

Chien Ying Lai, Alexander Greenberg

Overview

Pulse oximeters are noninvasive, portable devices that measure blood oxygen oxygen levels also known as SpO2. The popularity of the device has led to increased use in household and emergency settings to detect medical conditions like hypoxemia, where patients experience abnormal blood oxygen levels. Recently, researchers has doubted the accuracy of pulse oximeters, revealing limitations within this rising piece of technology— including vasoconstriction caused by colder temperatures, light scattering of tissues, and racial bias. Our project specifically targets the problem of vasoconstriction: a major drawback of pulse oximeters that could alter pulse oximeter SpO2 readings. Vasoconstriction reduces peripheral blood flows, reducing pulse oximeter signal quality. To address this issue, we proposed an ear-clip pulse oximeter prototype by using the MAX30102 sensor module and 3D printed ear-clip design. The MAX30102 sensor relies on photoplethysmography(PPG) which is an noninvasive optical technique that is used to measure small changes within our blood. The sensor contains 18 bit analog-to-digital converters allowing maximum signal resolution and higher sensitivity while remaining noise free and low voltage levels. Additionally, with a novel 3D ear-clip prototype that uses PLA filaments to design a slide-in function for the sensor and an optimal gap of 8 mm to ensure it fits on human ears. Together, these components make up our ear-clip pulse oximeter prototype aimed to help detect abnormal SpO2 value during critical conditions where vasoconstriction was exposed. Ultimately, our prototype provides an affordable, comfortable, and sustainable pulse oximeter prototype.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Medicine & Physiology (Senior Division) · Entry S-15-06

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