2 layers35 × 14 mm
2 layers117 × 31 mm
PPG heart rate sensor
saimh-ee/PPG-Heart-SensorA custom KiCad PCB developed as an extension of a UBC ENGR 352 Microelectronics II photoplethysmography (PPG) heart-rate sensing project.
- Size
- 117 × 31 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 44
- Nets
- 21
- Pads
- 103
- Tracks, vias
- 207, 0
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 8.0 (file 20240108)
- Created
- 29 Mar 2026
- Updated
- 29 Mar 2026
Overview
PPG heart rate sensor is an open-source printed circuit board by saimh-ee, from the saimh-ee/PPG-Heart-Sensor repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 117 × 31 mm with 44 parts on 21 nets, routed with 207 tracks and 0 vias.
It is built around the MCP601-I/P. Its parts include 17 resistors, 6 capacitors, 4 ICs, 3 transistors and 2 diodes. It belongs with the sensors and measurement boards of this library.
Main components
1README
README.mdPPG Heart Sensor PCB
A custom KiCad PCB developed as an extension of a UBC ENGR 352 Microelectronics II photoplethysmography (PPG) heart-rate sensing project. The original course work focused on simulation and breadboard prototyping, and this PCB was designed to turn that work into a cleaner hardware implementation.
Overview
This project is based on a PPG sensing approach that uses an infrared emitter and photodiode to detect pulse-related changes optically. The original course work focused on simulation and breadboard prototyping, while this repository focuses on the PCB design, supporting simulation files, fabrication outputs, and project visuals.
Main Component
- MCP601 op-amp
Repository Contents
- Hardware/: KiCad schematic, PCB, project file, and footprint library
- Simulation/: LTspice simulation file
- Fabrication/: manufacturing package used for PCB ordering
- Docs/: schematic image, PCB layout, 3D render, and breadboard prototype photos
Current Status
- LTspice simulation completed
- Breadboard prototype completed
- PCB designed in KiCad
- Fabrication files generated and submitted
- Final PCB assembly and hardware validation pending board arrival
Project Images
3D Render
PCB Layout
Schematic
Breadboard Prototype
Notes
This repository documents both the original prototype stage and the PCB design work completed afterward. The PCB was created as an extra step beyond the base lab requirement in order to package the design into a more polished hardware form.
Tools Used
- KiCad
- LTspice
- Git / GitHub
Parts
44| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | R | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P7.62mm_Horizontal | R1, R4, R5, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17 |
| 11 | MountingHole_Pad | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D2.0mm_Drill1.0mm | GND, GND, H1, H3, H3, H4, H5, H6, Vo1, Vo2, Vo3 |
| 4 | MCP601 | Package_DIP:DIP-8_W7.62mm | U1, U2, U3, U4 |
| 3 | C | Capacitor_THT:C_Disc_D5.0mm_W2.5mm_P5.00mm | C1, C5, C6 |
| 3 | NPN | Package_TO_SOT_THT:TO-92_Inline | Q1, Q2, Q3 |
| 2 | R | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0411_L9.9mm_D3.6mm_P12.70mm_Horizontal | R3, R6 |
| 1 | C | Capacitor_THT:CP_Radial_D6.3mm_P2.50mm | C6 |
| 1 | C | Capacitor_THT:C_Rect_L9.0mm_W3.6mm_P7.50mm_MKT | C3 |
| 1 | C4 | Capacitor_THT:C_Disc_D5.0mm_W2.5mm_P5.00mm | C4 |
| 1 | D | Diode_THT:D_DO-35_SOD27_P7.62mm_Horizontal | D2 |
| 1 | LED | LED_THT:LED_D5.0mm | D2 |
| 1 | LOGO | LOGO | G*** |
| 1 | R | Potentiometer_THT:Potentiometer_Bourns_3299Y_Vertical | R2 |
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Questions
How big is the PPG heart rate sensor PCB?
It measures 117 × 31 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the PPG heart rate sensor use?
44 parts, built around the MCP601-I/P. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the PPG heart rate sensor KiCad files?
From the saimh-ee/PPG-Heart-Sensor repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is Hardware/PPG_heart_rate_sensor.kicad_pcb and its schematic Hardware/PPG_heart_rate_sensor.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the PPG heart rate sensor design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask saimh-ee before reusing the design.