TI introduces the industry's first weigh scale and body composition analog front end

DALLAS, Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today unveiled the industry's first fully integrated analog front end for both weight and body composition measurement (BCM). The AFE4300 is an easy-to-use, precision, low-power front end solution, which allows engineers designing weigh scales that incorporate body composition meters, body impedance analyzers, and impedance measurement equipment to get their products to market faster than by implementing existing, more complex multi-chip solutions.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120801/DA49480)

The AFE4300 incorporates two separate signal chains, one targeting weight measurement and the other targeting body composition analysis, with a 16-bit, 860-sps analog-to-digital converter (ADC) multiplexed between them. The device's three BCM channels enable segmental body impedance analysis (BIA) between body extremities, which allows for a full picture of the subject's body composition. For information, samples and evaluation modules (EVMs), visit www.ti.com/afe4300-pr.

Key features and benefits

• Easy to use for faster time to market: The AFE4300 integrates two separate signal chain front ends for weigh scale and dual body composition measurements into a single device, so that little to no in-house expertise is required to quickly add body composition measurements to weigh scales applications.
• Precision performance: The AFE4300's tetra-polar measurements eliminate electrode impedance-related inaccuracies. In addition, the device's three BCM channels enable segmental body impedance analysis (BIA) for measurement across the body including hand to hand, foot to foot, or even hand to foot, which increases overall measurement accuracy. The device also includes an option to accurately measure Extra Cellular Water (ECW) and Intra Cellular Water (ICW) using bio-impedance spectroscopy (BIS).
• Low power consumption: The AFE4300 consumes less than 1 mA, operating from a 2-V to 3.6-V power supply, to extend battery life.

Availability and pricing

The AFE4300 is available now in a 12-mm x 12-mm TQFP-80 package. It is priced at $2.50 in quantities of 1,000.

Tools and support

Designers can immediately take advantage of the AFE4300EVM-PDK (performance demonstration kit) by visiting www.ti.com/afe4300evm-pdk-pr. The PDK supports three tetra-polar impedance measurements; has on-board load cell and impedance simulation blocks; functions on USB-based power and PC application connectivity; and contains built-in analysis tools, including a virtual oscilloscope, histogram, and fast Fourier transform (FFT) on the PC application.

Learn more about the AFE4300 and other TI products for consumer medical applications:

• Download the datasheet and order samples at www.ti.com/afe4300-pr.
• Order the AFE4300 EVM PDK at www.ti.com/afe4300evm-pdk-pr.
• Learn more about the AFE4300 by watching the video at www.ti.com/afe4300video-pr.
• View TI's technical and product information for a variety of consumer medical and home healthcare applications, including: heart rate and fitness monitoring systems, blood glucose and other diagnostic meters, blood pressure monitors, and digital thermometers and download TI's Consumer Medical Guide: www.ti.com/consumermedical.
• Learn more about TI's full portfolio for medical applications at www.ti.com/medical.  

About medical components from Texas Instruments

TI is helping shape technology to improve the quality and accessibility of medical equipment to revolutionize healthcare in the 21st century and beyond. With its full range of analog and embedded processing products, from building blocks to complete semiconductor solutions, plus systems insight, global support infrastructure, advanced process technology and medical industry involvement, TI is helping make innovative medical electronics more flexible, affordable and accessible. TI's experience in diverse markets, such as wireless communications, consumer electronics, automotive and aerospace, enables engineers to meet increasing needs for higher speeds, higher precision, lower power and smaller equipment, while maintaining the high standards for quality and reliability that the medical market demands. For more information, please visit http://www.ti.com/medical.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 90,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be – smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun. Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do – from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities. This is just the beginning of our story. Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks

All registered trademarks and other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated