SparkFun Photodetector (MAX30101) Hookup Guide

Contributors: santaimpersonator

Resources and Going Further

For more on the SparkFun Photodetector (MAX30101), check out the links below:

GitHub Hardware Repository -- Home base for the sensor's latest design files
SparkFun Photodetector (MAX30101) Schematic (PDF)
SparkFun Photodetector (MAX30101) Eagle Files (ZIP)
MAX30101 Datasheet (PDF)
SparkFun MAX3010x Arduino Library -- Source and example files for the Arduino library used in this tutorial.
Qwiic MAX3010x Python Package
- ReadtheDocs
SFE Product Showcase

Application Notes

Note: Particle detection, heart rate measurement, and photoplethysmography (for pulse oximetry) are applications of the MAX30101. These applications are detailed in the notes below; however, they require an understanding of the operating principles of the sensor and a conceptual knowledge of the application(s). Although, we provided the information below for interested users and may provide some examples of the application in our software; these applications are, unfortunately, not supported by SparkFun and the examples are primarily for demonstration purposes only.

Here are additional resources on how the MAX30101 functions for HR detection and pulse oximetry:

Basic Concept: The sensor relies on the reflection and scattering of the red and IR light that penetrates into the subcutaneous tissue.

For more information on particulate matter and their detection, check out these resources:

Basic Concept: The sensor relies on the reflection and scattering of the red and IR light from particles to detect their presence.

Maxim's Original Firmware for the MAX30102 adapted in our Arduino Library:

MAXREFDES117 firmware for Arduino platforms

For more sensor action, check out these other great SparkFun tutorials.

Hazardous Gas Monitor

Build a portable gas monitor to check for dangerous levels of hazardous gases.

Internet of Things Experiment Guide

The SparkFun ESP8266 Thing Dev Board is a powerful development platform that lets you connect your hardware projects to the Internet. In this guide, we show you how to combine some simple components to remotely log temperature data, send yourself texts and control lights from afar.

QuickLogic Thing Plus (EOS S3) Hookup Guide

This guide provides users with functional descriptions, configuration options for the QuickLogic Thing Plus EOS S3. It also serves as a “Getting Started” and “How To” guide.

SparkFun GPS-RTK Dead Reckoning ZED-F9K Hookup Guide

The u-blox ZED-F9K is a powerful GPS-RTK unit that uses a fusion of IMU, wheel ticks, a vehicle dynamics model, correction data, and GNSS measurements to provide highly accurate and continuous position for navigation in the difficult conditions. We will quickly get you set up using the Qwiic ecosystem through Arduino so that you can start reading the output!

Or check out this blog post for ideas:

Perfecting Coffee Roasting with the Qwiic Photodetector Breakout

October 15, 2020

Read Post

View as a single page

← Previous Page
Troubleshooting