Most wearable devices these days come with basic health related features, they're able to count steps, calories burned and some are even capable of measuring heart rate. Much more can be done to make these wearable devices even better particularly when it involves keeping on top of health matters and for precisely that purpose Samsung Electronics' System LSI division has developed a “Bio Processor.” It's capable of measuring electrocardiogram, commonly known as ECG, the bio processor is a system in package which consists of embedded flash memory, an application processor and bluetooth on one module in order to keep size and thickness at a minimum.
The bio processor was unveiled by executive director of LSI division Park Yong during his keynote speech at International System on Chip Design Conference (ISOCC) 2015 earlier this week. He pointed out not only does the bio process allow monitoring of one's health but it can also be used as a device to distinguish one person from the other, because everyone has their own personal heart beat the wearable device can automatically log them into a PC without needing them to enter a password. Similarly the sensor can allow access to a car door or house door saving the user from having to juggle multiple keys.
Aside from ECG the system in package is also capable of monitoring Photo PlethysmoGraph, which measures rate of blood flow, and bacterial inhibition assay to measure body fat. Samsung will continue to improve this technology down the line, it's aiming for enhanced speed, greater battery efficiency and even small chip sizes. The company is actively engaged in discussions with companies that are creating smart wearable devices, it's only a matter of time before the company's bio processor starting showing up in devices like smartwatches and activity trackers.
