ELEC 4810 LABORATORY #5

Measurement of the Finger Pulse

In this laboratory experiment, the objective is to develop a straightforward apparatus for
measuring the photoplethysmogram (PPG), also known as the finger pulse. The PPG represents
the optical waveform resulting from variations in blood volume within the finger throughout the
cardiac cycle. This measurement technique proves valuable in monitoring peripheral limb (arms
and legs) blood perfusion. The device design and construction will focus on capturing and
analyzing the PPG signal accurately.

PART 1 Lab Exercises

(a) To complete the circuit, the chosen component values from Part 1 (ii) for the bandpass
amplifier are a 1M ohm resistor (R31) and a 0.01uF capacitor (C31). In this experiment, only the
visible RED LED from the commercial oximeter's clip-on probe will be utilized, while the
infrared LED will be employed in the subsequent lab. It is important to note that the voltage
output (V0) will not be fixed at 5V in this experiment, as it depends on various parameters such
as finger thickness. Considering additional factors that can affect the output, it is recommended
to incorporate supplementary circuits or mechanisms in real applications to address such issues
automatically. Toggle switch SW2 should be set to the OUT position to activate the red LED
within the probe. Subsequently, measurements and calculations should be performed for each
team member accordingly.

(b) DC magnitude of V0 and Vpp of V1 with the probe placed on your 5 different fingers.

(c) Vpp of V1 with the red LED off by toggling SW2 to IN position and your finger in the probe
which is the background noise voltage.
(d) 20-beat record of the PPG with the finger resting on the table using LabJack and sampling
frequency set at 100Hz. [Are the pulse shapes different for the different members of the group? If
so, attempt to explain the differences using what you learned in class about the fluid mechanics
of the circulatory system].
(e) Mean peak-to-peak magnitude of the pulsatile component of V1 with the probe placed on the
index finger. Estimate the signal-to-noise ratio for measurement of the peak PPG voltage.

(f) Heart rate. The PPG is sensitive to many environmental factors. Note the changes in the PPG
that occur during the following manipulations and use your knowledge of the physiology of
blood circulation to explain their origins in your report.

(g) With the probe attached to your index finger, raise your finger above your head and then
lower it slowly to waist level.
(h) With the probe still attached to your index finger, ask your partner to squeeze your arm to
hold the blood flow for about 10 seconds and then release.

(i) Repeat the measurement using pressure cuff. First, pump it up to 160 mmHg. Then, hold it for
about 20 seconds and open the valve to release the gas slowly to simulate/observe poor, good and
excellent perfusion. Compare the differences between using the pressure cuff and squeezing the
arm.

PART 2 FINGER PULSE vs. ECG

(a) The circuit should be reconstructed to facilitate the measurement of the electrocardiogram
(ECG) signal.

(b) Utilize LabJack to simultaneously record the finger pulse and Lead I ECG signal, ensuring a
sampling frequency of 100Hz.
(c) With the recorded data, estimate the distance between the heart and fingertip to calculate the
pulse wave transit time/velocity. Compare the results with those obtained from other team
members and discuss the physical properties of the signal.

Fig. 2 PCB highlights