Rohm Semiconductor has announced mass production technology for compact 1608-size surface-mount short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) devices (light emitting/receiving) that leverage manufacturing technology developed through the mass production of compound semiconductors including visible and near-infrared LEDs. The new compact LEDs and photodiode devices are expected to open up sensing applications in portable and wearable devices that require material detection.
(Source: Rohm Semiconductor)
While portable and wearable devices continue to shrink, most SWIR devices are housed in through-hole packages designed for larger applications such as communications equipment and industrial analyzers, and as a result, very few surface-mount products are finding their way into compact applications, according to Rohm.
SWIR devices have a longer wavelength, compared with near-infrared (NIR), delivering greater permeability through a variety of materials. They are also less susceptible to sunlight, smoke and other particulate matter. They detect the presence of substances and their constituent components by taking advantage of characteristics of water, ice, gases and other substances that absorb specific wavelengths, said Rohm.
(Source: Rohm Semiconductor)
On the light-emitting side, LEDs are planned in varying package shapes (molded/lens) and in five wavelengths (1050 nm, 1200 nm, 1300 nm, 1450 nm and 1550nm) that match the characteristics of different materials and in two types of surface-mount packages – a molded type and a lens variant with a narrower emission directivity with higher radiation intensity. Ten models will be available, targeting a wide range of material detection, including the presence and constituent analysis of substances such as water, gases and glucose.
On the light receiving side, Rohm will offer four photodiode models in two light receiving diameter sizes and two package sizes (1608 and 20125). It will now be possible to select the best product based on application requirements such as a faster response or sensing in low light environments, said Rohm.
The combination of small light receiving and emitting products provides space savings, reducing the mounting area and opening new sensing possibilities in compact applications, said Rohm.
Target applications include sensing through OLED panels in portable devices, health monitoring using wearables/hearables and a variety of inspection equipment, such as pharmaceutical analysis and moisture content of food/ the human body. A few examples include light sources for blood oxygen saturation and blood glucose measurement medical devices and measuring the water and sugar content of fruits and vegetables in the food industry.
Samples of the SWIR devices are currently available. Rohm will support a wider range of material detection in the future. Please contact the company for more information about these products.
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