Rohm announces tiny SWIR devices
1608-size chips suited to new sensing applications in portable and wearable devices
Rohm has established mass production technology for Short-Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) devices in the industry’s smallest class 1608-size (1.6mm × 0.8mm) for portable, wearable and hearable devices requiring material detection.
For the light emitting side, a lineup of ten LEDs is planned in varying package shapes (molded/lens) and wavelengths (1050nm to 1550nm). On the light receiving side, four photodiode models will be offered in different packages (1608-size / 20125-size (2.0mm × 1.25mm)) and photodetector block size.
SWIR is characterised by a longer wavelength than near-infrared (NIR), providing greater permeability through different materials while being less susceptible to sunlight, smoke, and other particulate matter. As such, this technology is expected to expand the range of sensing substances such as water/gas and glucose.
Target applications include light sources for blood oxygen saturation and blood glucose measurement devices and measuring the water and sugar content of fruit and vegetables in the food industry.
Adoption is also anticipated in sensing applications through OLED panels in portable devices, and wearables devices to add health monitoring and other novel functions.
Samples of SWIR products (light emitters/receivers) based on this technology have been available since March 2023. Rohm says it plans to pursue new areas for sensing by supporting a wider range of material detection in compact applications.
