WHALETEQ HRS200 User manual

PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
WHALETEQ
PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System
(HRS200)
User Manual
(Revision 2018-01-26)

PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
Copyright (c) 2013-2018, All Rights Reserved.
WhaleTeq Co. LTD
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WhaleTeq Co. LTD. provides this document and the programs "as is" without warranty of
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periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in future
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of the changes.
The following trademarks are used in this document:
is a registered trademark of WhaleTeq Co. LTD
All other trademarks or trade names are property of their respective holders.

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
Contents
System Introduction ............................................................................................ 5
1.1 Basic Concept..................................................................................................................5
1.1.1 Photoplethysmography (PPG) ...............................................................................................5
1.1.2 Perfusion Index (PI) ...................................................................................................................5
1.1.3 WhaleTeq Heart Rate Simulator Test System....................................................................6
1.1.4 How HRS interacts with DUT..................................................................................................6
1.2 Appearance and Package Content ...........................................................................7
1.2.1 HRS200 Appearance.................................................................................................................7
1.2.2 Package Content........................................................................................................................7
1.2.3 Specifications for HRS Alignment Fixture ...........................................................................8
1.3 Using the HRS ............................................................................................................... 10
1.3.1 Usage Categories ....................................................................................................................10
1.3.2 Cabling diagram .......................................................................................................................11
1.3.3 Recommended Usage............................................................................................................12
1.4 Functions and Specifications..................................................................................... 13
1.4.1 Functions in Standalone mode............................................................................................13
1.4.2 Functions in PC software mode...........................................................................................13
1.4.3 Specifications ............................................................................................................................14
1.4.4 Instruction for different version of HRS ............................................................................15
1.5 Cautions..........................................................................................................................16
Usage in standalone mode ...............................................................................18
PC Software Mode..............................................................................................19
3.1 Installation and Environment .................................................................................... 19
3.1.1 System Requirements.............................................................................................................19
3.1.2 HRS Software Installation ......................................................................................................19
3.1.3 First Time Using WhaleTeq Product - USB Driver Installation................................... 20
3.1.4 First Time Using WhaleTeq Product –Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0
Installation.............................................................................................................................................. 20
3.2 HRS200 Software Operation.....................................................................................21

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
3.2.1 Main Mode ................................................................................................................................21
3.2.2 Fine Tune Mode...................................................................................................................... 25
3.2.3 Play Raw Data Mode ............................................................................................................. 26
3.2.4 Command Mode .................................................................................................................... 32
3.3 HRS Software and Firmware Update .................................................................. 34
3.3.1 Software and Firmware Auto Update............................................................................... 34
3.3.2 Manually Update Firmware.................................................................................................. 35
Contact WhaleTeq .............................................................................................36

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
System Introduction
WhaleTeq Heart Rate Simulator (HRS) is a test system designed for
“Photoplethysmography” (PPG) technology. For PPG sensor suppliers, IC Solution
providers, and wearable manufacturers, HRS simulates the reflected light of human
skin, and provides different adjustable parameters such as brightness, heart rate, and
so on.
1.1 Basic Concept
1.1.1 Photoplethysmography (PPG)
This technology captures blood information via optical signal. Most Pulse
Oximeter (SpO2) equipment on market now use PPG technology. In the recent
years, wearable devices are becoming increasingly popular and most
manufacturers and brand companies use PPG technology as the key
technology to capture heart rate value.
The theory behind this technology: By shining LED light to the skin and while
the light would be partially absorbed by the skin and reflected (or refracted)
back to photodiode, the system can then collect and calculate the value
differences into heart rate (BPM).
1.1.2 Perfusion Index (PI)
Following the description stated in section 1.1.1, the below diagram can be
explained as X axis representing for the time while Y axis representing the light
reflection received by photodiode.
As shown in the above diagram, there are slight signal fluctuations (AC, refers
to Heart rate signal) above the carrier signal (DC) and the ratio of AC to DC is
defined as Perfusion Index (PI).
Remark: PI value can be adjusted, but the value range would be varied due to
the changes of DC value. See upper-right figure.

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
1.1.3 WhaleTeq Heart Rate Simulator Test System
WhaleTeq HRS test system is based on the concept described in section 1.1.1
and 1.1.2. The simulated light source provided by the system verify if the
photodiode of the wearables can receive the LED light properly, and if the
module can react well with different simulated light. Meanwhile, the test
system has built-in photodiode as well. Users can use the built-in photodiode
to verify the light source of different wearables.
On top of simulation of heart rate signals, users can also adjust parameters to
simulate reflection of different brightness levels (DC), conditions of peripheral
circulation (PI). The WhaleTeq HRS test system provides various settings and
multiple operation modes for different PPG sensors and different scenarios.
WhaleTeq HRS test system has 2 different models –HRS200 and HRS100+.
-HRS200：
Premium Model. Designed for R&D and test engineers to provide multiple
and stable signal simulations to facilitate the verification of system and
heart rate accuracy.
-HRS100+：
Advanced Model. Designed for test engineers and production line
application. This model can quickly measure DUT’s PD and LED.
Furthermore, this test system can conduct heart rate test procedure and
quickly sort out defective LED.
This document is mainly for HRS200 and you may contact WhaleTeq at
[email protected] for details of HRS100+.
1.1.4 How HRS interacts with DUT
In order to accurately simulate heart rate, HRS test system has built-in LED
and PD, which are individually corresponding to the wearable’s PD and LED.
Please note that LED and PD shown in HRS PC software from the view of
HRS. For example, PD sampling (section 3.2.1) shown in HRS PC software
indicates DUT’s LED status.

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
1.2 Appearance and Package Content
This section introduces HRS200’s appearance and usage. Package content and
specification are also listed in this section.
1.2.1 HRS200 Appearance
HRS200 is designed for R&D and test engineers. The below illustration shows
the product appearance and functions:
1.2.2 Package Content
The HRS200 package contains the following items：
No.
Item
1
HRS200 Unit
2
Warranty Card
3
Informational CD
4
USB Cable (A male to B male)

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
1.2.3 Specifications for HRS Alignment Fixture
User may use the below mechanical drawing to develop the alignment fixture
for fitting your wearable.
User can also download the HRS 3D model Here or on the WhaleTeq website.
Mechanical Drawing：
✓Top LED Holder：

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
✓Bottom LED Holder：
Sectional View：
Here is the length and width of HRS：(135mm X 76mm)

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
The following is the height of the machine:
Fixture height: 25.4 mm
Entire Machine height: 60.2mm
1.3 Using the HRS
This chapter introduces the usage modes, cabling diagrams, and recommendations
for using this product.
1.3.1 Usage Categories
This product provides standalone mode and PC software mode. Details are
listed as below:
1. Standalone Mode:
User can directly place the DUT onto HRS 200 to testify BPM rates.

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
I. In HRS100+ standalone mode, user can measure 10 specific heart
rate values. If needed, users may modify the default parameter
settings via PC software.
II. In HRS200 standalone mode, in addition to measure 10 specific
heart rate values, user may also test DUT under 3 preset settings
pre-defined by user.
For detailed descriptions, please refer to chapter 2.
2. PC Software Mode:
Software operations require the HRS series product to be connected to a
Windows-based PC. HRS100+ software offers main function and
command mode function. HRS200 provides main function, fine tune
function, raw-date playback function, and command mode function.
I. Main function: The major operation mode of this software. It allows
user to adjust parameters such as DC, PI, and BPM. Also, it can detect
LED brightness of DUT. For detailed descriptions, please refer to
section 3.2.1.
II. Fine Tune mode: It provides sine, triangle, PPG waveforms and
simulates 50Hz/60Hz/1KHz noise. (This function is only available for
HRS200)
III. Raw-data Playback mode: User can record or manually produce a
period of waveform signals, and then play under raw-data playback
mode. This is the optimal tool for developers to improve algorithm.
(This function is only available for HRS200)
IV. Command Mode: User can use specified command scripts to play
test sequences automatically. Detailed descriptions please refer to
section 3.2.1.
1.3.2 Cabling diagram
Cabling diagram is as illustrated below in PC software mode or operate via USB
power.
If connecting via BNC port to an oscilloscope, user can measure the original
signal of LED and amplified signal of photodiode. Cabling diagram is as
illustrated below.

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
1.3.3 Recommended Usage
․Recommendation 1:
As shown in section 1.3.2, WhaleTeq software could fully control the HRS
200 when connected to a PC via USB interface. The panel buttons would
have no function at that time.
․Recommendation 2:
As shown in below figure, user can directly place the DUT onto HRS200
and proceed tests in standalone mode. The recommended distance
between the diffusion film and DUT is 1 cm.

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
1.4 Functions and Specifications
1.4.1 Functions in Standalone mode
Below is the function chart in standalone mode:
1.4.2 Functions in PC software mode
Below is the function list in PC software mode:

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
1.4.3 Specifications
HRS series product specification is listed as below:
* Remark 1：Heart rate test range is different in standalone mode and PC mode. In PC
software mode, heart rate range is from 30 to 300 BPM; in standalone mode, heart
rate value can be set to 30,60,70,80,90,120,150,180,210,240BPM, plus user can
manually select 3 of them as preset parameters.
* Remark 2：Lumen accuracy would be ±10Lux when the light source is lower than
400Lux.
* Remark 3：We suggest user to observe PD’s analog signals via connecting HRS200’s
BNC port to the oscilloscope. Under High Resolution Mode, user requires to check
“LED Off” option to switch off HRS’s LED and no optical signals will be sent then.
Lux-Voltage (and DC Level) Chart

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
Time-Lux Chart
Setting Range for PI (in every DC Level)
*Tested by Konica Minolta illuminance meter, model T-10MA
1.4.4 Instruction for different version of HRS
The photodiode detection range of HRS100+ and HRS200 was enhanced in July,
2017. Therefore, HRS series can measure DUTs with higher LED brightness
after the enhancement.
* Please refer to below table for software UI differences between the new
version and former version of HRS unit:

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
Former
Version
-Background color is all white
New
Version
-Background color of PD Signal Display section is gray
-Two different PD scale ranges: “1000” and “10000”
1.5 Cautions
➢We suggest warm up HRS unit for at least 5 minutes before testing.
➢Before using HRS unit, please assure the distance between HRS diffusion
film and DUT PPG sensor is fixed. Also, it requires to control the ambient
light as it would influence the test result as well.
➢PD sample rate of HRS is lower than 8ksps (Normal) and 30ksps (High
Resolution)
➢If HRS software shows up “Saturated” in PD Signal Display section, it
means the brightness of DUT is over the detection range of HRS PD.

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
Please increase the distance between the diffusion film of HRS and DUT
PPG sensor.
➢The built-in database in Play Raw Data mode is only available for the 1st
database as a trial purpose. Please contact WhaleTeq
([email protected]) for details of enabling all the other databases.
➢When HRS100+/HRS200 is powered by batteries and not in use, please
switch off the power to save battery life.
➢The blinking Power LED is the indication of low battery. Please replace
with new batteries immediately.
➢LED luminous decay occurs after using for a certain period. It is
recommended to send your unit to WhaleTeq for calibration every year
and replace the LED base every second year, to ensure LED brightness is
qualified. For more details, please contact WhaleTeq Co, Ltd
[email protected]
➢When upgrading HRS firmware, DO NOT turn off power or close the
software during the process.

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
Usage in standalone mode
1. Setting Mechanism
Optical measurement is quite sensitive against the distance and angle. Before HRS
unit is in use, please secure the particular distance and angle between HRS diffusion
film and DUT PPG sensor.
2. Power Supply
HRS200 can be powered via USB interface or
Three AA batteries.
3. Heart Rate Measurement
Please use BPM button to select and simulate
heart rate. In standalone mode, HRS200
provides 30, 60,70,80,90,120,150,180,210,240
BPM for selection. The default heart rate
value is 60 BPM.
4. Preset Setting (Mode A/B/C)
In standalone mode, there are limitations of adjusting DC Level, PI value, and heart
rate. User can adjust those parameters via PC software and save up to 3 preset
settings (Mode A/B/C). User may directly choose preset setting via pressing the mode
button.
5. Default Test Parameters
Characteristics of photodiode vary from one to another. This might cause certain DUT
being not able to use HRS 200 default test parameters. If this occurs, please use
HRS200/HRS100+ PC software. In the main function page, user can adjust and find out
the ideal DC level and PI value. After that, user can click “Save to HRS” button to save
as default parameters.
1
6. Observe Analog Signals of Photodiode via HRS200 BNC Port
If user would like to observe DUT LED’s waveform, user can connect HRS200 to the
oscilloscope via HRS200’s PD BNC port. When connecting, user can directly observe
HRS200’s hardware signals and it gives a higher accuracy compared with HRS software
or HRS SDK.
1
Default parameters for shipments are DC Level = 5, PI = 2.

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
PC Software Mode
3.1 Installation and Environment
3.1.1 System Requirements
The PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System uses a Windows PC to connect and
control the USB module of HRS unit.
PC requirements:
- Windows PC (Windows 7 or later, suggest to use the genuine version)
- Microsoft .NET 4.0 or higher
- Administrator access (essential for installing software, driver, and
Microsoft .Net Framework)
- 1.5 GHz CPU or higher
- 1GB RAM or higher
2
- USB port
3.1.2 HRS Software Installation
Please follow the below steps to download and execute HRS Software.
․Download HRS software from WhaleTeq website.
․Browse to the download location
․Unzip the file to your destination folder
․Click the installation file in the destination folder to initiate the installation
process.
․When the installation is completed, HRS software would be executed
automatically. User can also execute HRS software via selecting “All
Programs” “WhaleTeq” “WhaleTeq” in Windows startup program
manager.
2
Relative to normal PC processing, there is no special use of PC speed. However, there has been
noted a slow increase in system RAM usage over long periods of time up to 30-40MB (related to MS
Windows “garbage collection”). PCs with only 512MB or less installed and are running several other
programs (in particular, Internet Explorer), may exceed the available RAM, requiring access to the
hard drive and dramatically impacting speed. In this case, streaming interruptions and other
problems may occur.

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PPG Heart Rate Simulator Test System | User Manual
If HRS software can’t be executed properly or this is the first time using
WhaleTeq product, please refer to section 3.1.3 and 3.1.4 to confirm that
USB driver and Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 are all installed.
3.1.3 First Time Using WhaleTeq Product - USB Driver Installation
If Windows device manager can’t recognize WhaleTeq product, please follow
the below instructions to Install Microchip® USB driver.
Microsoft Windows 10
As Windows 10 has built-in Microchip® USB Driver, there’re no needs to install
any drivers. It just takes a while for Windows Device manager to recognize and
install the driver.
Microsoft Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
․Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 can’t recognize HRS unit, please download
“mchpcdc.inf” from WhaleTeq website. This driver is provided by
Microchip® for using with PIC microprocessors having built-in USB
function.
․As mchpcdc.inf provided by Microchip® does not contain digital signature,
please disable driver signature enforcement in Windows 8 and Windows
8.1. Please click here to watch the tutorial video.
․When the USB module is connected for the first time, select manual
installation, and point to the folder containing the above file. Then
continue to follow the instructions to finish the installation. There may be
a warning that the driver is not recognized by Windows®, and this can be
ignored. Please click here to watch the tutorial video.
Microsoft Windows 7
․Windows 7 can’t recognize HRS unit, please download “mchpcdc.inf”
from WhaleTeq website. This driver is provided by Microchip® for using
with PIC microprocessors having built-in USB function.
․When the USB module is connected for the first time, select manual
installation, and point to the folder containing the above file. Then
continue to follow the instructions to finish the installation. There may be
a warning that the driver is not recognized by Windows®, and this can be
ignored. Please click here to watch the tutorial video.
3.1.4 First Time Using WhaleTeq Product –Microsoft .Net Framework
4.0 Installation
WhaleTeq software is developed by Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0. If HRS
software fails to launch properly, please check whether Microsoft .Net
Framework 4.0 or higher versions was installed in the operation system.