Wired PPG amplifier (BIOPAC PPG100D)

Name: Wired PPG amplifier (BIOPAC PPG100D)
SKU: 18547

A wired photoplethysmography (PPG) amplifier from the BIOPAC Smart Amplifier series — measurement electronics placed directly at the optical transducer reduce interference and motion artifacts, and acquisition parameters configure automatically in AcqKnowledge. Requires the AMI100D interface and an MP160 or MP200 unit (not MP150), plus AcqKnowledge 5.0.4 or newer.

BIOPAC Smart Amplifier · Photoplethysmographic (PPG) Measurement

PPG100D is an amplifier from the Smart Amplifier series — measurement electronics placed directly at the optical transducer, rather than in a module near the acquisition unit.

Because the amplifier sits close to the transducer, the signal is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and motion artifacts, and acquisition parameters configure automatically in AcqKnowledge once connected.

Part of a larger system

BIOPAC Smart Amplifier 100D module family — illustrative photo of the full lineup (PPG100D is one of the modules in this family)

Illustrative photo of the full Smart Amplifier 100D family — the PPG100D module shares the identical housing.

PPG100D is an expansion module, not a standalone system

The PPG100D module itself does not record or store data on its own. It requires connection through the AMI100D interface to an MP160 or MP200 data acquisition unit (Smart Amplifier modules are NOT compatible with the MP150), together with AcqKnowledge version 5.0.4 or later.

In addition, PPG100D requires a separately ordered photoplethysmographic transducer — see the section below for details. The module connects via a 3 m RJ12 cable to the AMI100D interface, and the recorded signal is placed on the shared, synchronized timeline together with the other modules in the system.

Required PPG transducer

PPG100D is the amplifier alone — a separately ordered photoplethysmographic transducer is required for measurement.

Photoplethysmographic transducer on a fingertip

Transducer on the finger (BN-PULSE-XDCR variant). BN-PULSE-XDCR / BN-PULSEEAR-XDCR

PPG transducer — finger or ear

One family of photoplethysmographic transducers, available in two measurement-site variants — choose according to the study protocol.

BN-PULSE-XDCR — fingertip transducer
BN-PULSEEAR-XDCR — ear-clip transducer for the earlobe
Both variants connect directly to the PPG100D module

Key features

Electronics close to the transducer

The Smart Amplifier architecture places the amplifier right next to the optical transducer — significantly reducing EMI interference and motion artifacts compared with a traditional module located at the acquisition unit.

Automatic configuration

Once connected, the module automatically configures acquisition parameters in AcqKnowledge — no manual switch settings required.

Derived signal: pulse rate

AcqKnowledge automatically calculates a derived signal from the recorded PPG waveform — pulse rate — with no additional configuration required from the researcher.

Choice of measurement site

Two transducer variants — BN-PULSE-XDCR (finger) and BN-PULSEEAR-XDCR (earlobe) — let you match the measurement site to the study protocol and participant preference.

DC–25 Hzmeasurement bandwidth

0.5 / 3 HzHP / LP filters

MP160/200compatibility (via AMI100D)

Finger / earBN-PULSE / BN-PULSEEAR

Full technical specification

Signal: Photoplethysmography (PPG) — pulsatile blood flow in peripheral tissue
HP filter: 0.5 Hz
LP filter: 3 Hz
Bandwidth (wideband): DC – 25 Hz
Derived signal: Pulse rate, calculated automatically in AcqKnowledge
Output range: ±10 V
CMRR: Min. 120 dB
Required transducer: BN-PULSE-XDCR (finger) or BN-PULSEEAR-XDCR (earlobe)
Module dimensions / weight: Approx. 1.8×4.6×1.1 cm, approx. 48 g (amplifier alone approx. 9 g)
Cable: 3 m, RJ12, to the AMI100D interface
Compatibility: MP160 or MP200 (via the AMI100D interface) + AcqKnowledge 5.0.4 or later

Where to place the transducer

Click the point on the image to see the typical placement of the PPG transducer on the fingertip (BN-PULSE-XDCR). The transducer is also available in an earlobe variant (BN-PULSEEAR-XDCR) — the choice depends on the ordered variant and the study protocol.

Placement confirmed in the source materials for PPG100D together with the corresponding BN-PULSE-XDCR and BN-PULSEEAR-XDCR transducers.

Hand with a photoplethysmographic transducer on the index fingertip — interactive diagram

How it works

Transducer on the participant

The BN-PULSE-XDCR transducer placed on the fingertip (or BN-PULSEEAR-XDCR on the earlobe) is connected to the PPG100D module.

PPG100D + AMI100D + MP160/200

The module amplifies the signal right at the transducer and sends it over an RJ12 cable to the AMI100D interface, and from there to the acquisition unit.

Analysis in AcqKnowledge

Automatic channel configuration, recording of the PPG waveform, and calculation of the pulse rate.

Experimental applications

PPG measurement supports research on heart rate variability and autonomic nervous system responses.

Heart rate variability (HRV)

Determining pulse rate and its variability as an indicator of autonomic nervous system activity.

Stress research

Recording cardiovascular responses to stress stimuli in psychophysiological protocols.

Cognitive and autonomic load

PPG signal as an indicator of autonomic responses accompanying cognitive tasks.

Sleep research

PPG as one of the physiological signals used in sleep-study protocols.

Frequently asked questions

How does PPG100D differ from the classic PPG100C module?

Which transducer should I choose — finger or ear?

Which acquisition systems does PPG100D work with?

Download materials click to expand

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Wired PPG amplifier (BIOPAC PPG100D)

Part of a larger system

PPG100D is an expansion module, not a standalone system