A Low-Power High Input Range PPG Readout Amplifier with a Current Buffer Input.

This paper presents ultra-low power photoplethysmography (PPG) readout circuits. The proposed system architecture uses a current buffer between the photodiode (PD) and the transimpedance amplifier (TIA) to isolate the large parasitic capacitance of the PD leading to improves the power consumption of the TIA. A class AB topology is exploited at the output of the amplifier, which allows for increased drive capability without the use of auxiliary circuits. The maximum input current range of the TIA is 160 µA, so the large DC current of the input signal does not saturate the circuit. In the LED driver circuit, by varying the duty cycle of a pulse wave modulation (PWM) signal, the ON and OFF times of the circuits. The amplifier and LED driver are manufactured in the 130 nm TSMC CMOS process. The power consumption of the circuits with a duty cycle of 1% is 3.28 µW (at VDD = 1.2V).Clinical Relevance- Vital signs are becoming a very important research topic due to the recent prevalence of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. This research aims to develop and interface circuits to monitor vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate to study respiratory disease, drug safety, and efficacy.