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Can the TMP006 be placed inside of earbuds to get body temperature?

leinho
Expert 1230 points
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: TMP007, TMP006

Hi,

I am working on the design of earbuds with sensors. I would like to get body's temperature and pulse from them. My first guess is to use an IR temperature sensor aiming at the ear drum and a PPG circuit aiming at the cavum conchae. The earbuds needs to be custom for each user so the sensor should fit inside of them (I could leave wires connected to another external circuit like a electronic necklace, using i2c for example). It should also be comfortable as people are suppose to sleep with them (So, an ear clip wouldn't be fine and the earbuds should not protrude out of the ear). Of course, power is also another key point in this design...

How good will be this device to be placed inside of an earbud and to get core body temperature? Do I have to aim it to the ear drum?

I will need to have audio there too. How could I fit both devices into the earbud without having issues?

Thanks.

  • 0
    TI__Intellectual 1811 points

    Leinho,

        I think this is a great application for TMP006 / TMP007.  It is one of the industries smallest thermal pile based IR sensor.  Along with the IR sensor the TMP006/7 has a very good local temp sensor.  Not knowing the size requirement of the audio circuit and such, it is dificult to know if this can all fit in one small ear bud.  I do believe that pointing the device at the ear drum is the proper approach.  The IR thermometers currently on the market are pointed at the ear drum. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

    Regards,

    Tommy Santoyo

     

  • 0 in reply to Tommy Santoyo
    Expert 1230 points
    Thanks Tommy,

    Well, I know it depends. It will nbe just the audio driver... It won't be completely wireless at first. I could have another board connected with wires to each earbud.

    But,
    How could I possible aim at the ear drum and listen to music correctly at the same time? Not all the ears are equals and the earbuds has to be custom molded for each user.
    Do you think that the silicone, that the earbud is made of, will interfere with the readings?
  • 0 in reply to leinho
    TI__Intellectual 1811 points

     

    Leinho,

    I wanted to just clarify one thing from my original reply.   Although the ear bud environment is ideal due to close proximity, closed area, and relatively small operating range, the accuracy you can expect is really only in the order of .5°C.     Is that acceptable for this application?

     

    Regards,

    Tommy

     

  • 0 in reply to Tommy Santoyo
    Expert 1230 points
    That's a good question... Probably not. Is there something similar with better accuracy in the market?