Compact High-Sensitivity Photodiode Delivers Enhanced Precision for Biomedical Devices

16 August 2024 - 0 Comments

Vishay Intertechnology has unveiled its latest advancement in photodiode technology with the introduction of the VEMD8082 silicon PIN photodiode. Designed to enhance sensitivity in the visible to near-infrared spectrum, the VEMD8082 is optimized for critical biomedical applications such as heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring. Key improvements include increased reverse light current, reduced diode capacitance, and faster rise and fall times, significantly boosting performance over previous generations. Its compact dimensions of 4.8 mm by 2.5 mm by 0.5 mm make it ideal for integration into low-profile devices, such as smartwatches.

The VEMD8082's heightened sensitivity is especially valuable in photoplethysmography (PPG) applications, where accurate detection of blood volume and flow is essential for monitoring cardiovascular health. The photodiode features a radiant sensitive area of 6.0 mm² and offers a notable increase in reverse light current by 18 to 20 percent, depending on the wavelength. Enhanced performance is further supported by decreased diode capacitance from 50 pF to 46 pF and faster rise times of 40 ns compared to 110 ns in earlier models, enabling higher sampling rates.