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.