STMicroelectronics targets health monitoring devices

BANGALORE, INDIA: STMicroelectronics has launched products that are being adopted for use in health- and fitness-monitoring products such as the Nike+ FuelBand, an innovative wristband fitness device.

The FuelBand tracks user activity, such as running, walking, dancing, and dozens of everyday actions, through ST’s high-performance 3-axis accelerometer. To differentiate between simple gestures and active motion requires complex signal-processing capabilities.

More than that, the FuelBand must also always be on since wearers might jump into action at any time. The device houses 120 LEDs comprising the display and a “Fuel” indicator that racks up points as the wearer exercises.

The FuelBand has ST’s ultra-low power STM32L microcontroller. In addition to providing the 32-bit performance and processing capacity required for advanced signal processing, the STM32 architecture delivers real-time responsiveness, power efficiency, and highly integrated peripherals and memory required for even the most demanding embedded applications.

The Nike+ FuelBand is a feat of ultra low-power, high-performance engineering, weighing less than one ounce, including the batteries, in a sleek black shell. Relying on ST’s super-efficient low-power technology, the wristband is capable of operating for up to four fully active days without recharging.

''The inspiration behind the FuelBand was making it easy for people of all fitness levels to stay motivated and stay more active,'' said Stefan Olander, VP of Digital Sport, Nike. ''And we didn’t stop with the individual — we built an entire community to form a chain of inspiration unlike any we’ve seen before.''

''ST is committed to applying its products and technologies to positively impact individuals’ quality of life,'' said Benedetto Vigna, Executive Vice President, General Manager of the Analog, MEMS & Sensors Group, STMicroelectronics.

''The Nike+ FuelBand is a great example of how companies in vastly different industries are collaborating to design new products which have the potential to profoundly affect the wellbeing of people all over the world,'' explained Vigna.