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MAX86181
  • MAX86181

MAX86181

PRODUCTION

High SNR Quad-Channel AFE for Optical Spectroscopy with Dynamic Voltage Scaling

Analog Devices MAX86181 Product Info

10 February 2026 7

Features

  • Complete Quad-Channel Optical Data AcquisitionSystem
  • Ultra-Low Power Operation for Body Wearable Devices
    • Low-Power Operation, Optical Readout Channel17μW at 25fps
    • Exposure Integration Period Ranging from 14.6μs to 118.2μs
    • Low Shutdown Current < 2.3μA
  • Excellent Top-End SNR = 98.8dB in White CardLoop-Back Test (Nyquist Sample-to-SampleVariance)
  • Extended Dynamic Range up to 122dB (Averagingand Off-Chip Filtering)
  • Supports Frame Rates from 1fps to 1927fps
  • High Resolution 20-Bit Charge Integrating Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs)
  • Low Dark Current Noise of 52pARMS (Sample-to-Sample Variance in 118.2μs Integration Time)
  • Excellent Ambient Range and Rejection Capability
    • 200μA Ambient Photodetector Current
    • Improved Ambient Light Cancellation to Over90dB at 120Hz (averaging = 2)
  • -40°C to +85°C Operating Temperature Range
  • New Features
    • Reduced Analog Front End (AFE) PowerConsumption
    • Individualized Sampling Rate per Measurement
    • Low Dark Noise Mode (LDNM) Enables DarkNoise of 10pARMS
    • Dynamic Voltage Scaling for VLED_HSx Supplies
    • Auto-Offset DAC Mode—Optional AutomaticMode which Effectively Expands Dynamic Rangewithout Microcontroller Intervention

Part details & applications

The MAX86181 is an ultra-low power optical data acquisition system with both transmit and receive channels. On the transmitter side, the MAX86181 has two, high-current 8-bit programmable LED drivers. The MAX86181 can drive up to 24 LEDs. On the receiver side, the MAX86181 has four low-noise charge integrating front ends such that each includes independent 20-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and best-in-class ambient light cancellation (ALC) circuits, producing the highest performing integrated optical data acquisition system in the market today.

Due to its low power consumption, compact size, ease and flexibility of use, the MAX86181 is ideal for a wide variety of optical sensing applications such as pulse oximetry and heart rate detection.

Working with one of Analog Devices, Inc.’s dynamic voltage scaling/DVS-enabled power management integrated circuit (PMIC), the MAX86181’s DVS circuit can dynamically minimize the LED’s anode voltage for every measurement (every wavelength and LED current) ensuring optimal SNR while reducing power dissipation on the VLED_HSx rail.

The MAX86181 operates on a 2.5V analog supply voltage, a 3.1V to 5.5V VLED_DRV driver supply voltage, and a 1.8V digital supply voltage. With two integrated LDOs, the MAX86181 can operate on a single 3.3V supply. The device supports both I2C and SPI compatible interfaces in a fully autonomous way. The device has a large 1024-word built-in FIFO. The MAX86181 is available in a compact 42-WLP package.

Applications

  • Wearable Devices for Fitness, Wellness, andMedical Applications
  • Suitable for Wrist, Finger, Ear, and Other Locations
  • Optimized Performance to Detect
    • Heart Rate
    • Heart Rate Variability
    • Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) both Transmissive and Reflective
    • Body Hydration Optical Spectroscopy
    &

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