1. Introduction
The Health Monitor project is an innovative endeavor aimed at designing and implementing a multifunctional device that integrates pulse sensing and reaction timing capabilities. The design process is rooted in the synthesis of combinational and sequential building blocks, allowing for a flexible and open-ended approach. Leveraging components from previous labs and assignments, the project emphasizes informed decision-making and the exploration of alternative solutions.
2. Design Specification
The physical configuration of the Health Monitor is realized through a Nexys FPGA board, connected to a pulse sensor and adapter board. The design specification encompasses the following:
Inputs:
Mode select switch
Reaction time START and ENTER buttons
System RESET button
Pulse sensor analog input
Outputs:
8-digit seven-segment display
“Pulse” Lamp
Reaction Timer “Go” Lamp
Operation:
Pulse Monitor: Measures the user's pulse by receiving an analog signal, converting it to digital, and calculating the pulse as a moving average.
Reaction Timer: Tests the user's reaction time through a sequence of LED signals and button interactions, displaying the result in various formats.
Additional Requirements:
Fully synchronous circuit using a 1 kHz clock
Implementation using flip-flops, avoiding latches
Comfortable intensity and equal intensity for RGB LED
Blank unused digits in the 7-segment display
3. Pulse Sensor Background Information
The pulse sensor is an open-source hobbyist device that detects blood flow in the capillaries under the skin. The analog signal is converted into a digital sequence through an analog-digital converter (ADC) built into the FPGA.
4. Project Schedule
The project is structured over three weeks, with specific deliverables and milestones:
Week 1: High-level organization, design of major submodules, and interim report.
Week 2: Debugging, design of the second major submodule, demonstration, and interim report.
Week 3: Completion of the second major module, system integration, demonstration, and interim report.
5. Conclusion
The Health Monitor project represents a comprehensive and multifaceted engineering challenge. By integrating pulse monitoring and reaction timing functionalities, it offers a practical application of combinational and sequential logic design. The project's open-ended nature encourages creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, reflecting the core values of modern engineering practice. The meticulous planning, execution, and documentation of this project underscore its significance as a valuable learning experience and a noteworthy addition to a professional portfolio.