ams and Osram announce the launch of the sixth generation infrared chip IR:6

On July 7, ams-Osram announced the launch of the sixth-generation infrared chip IR:6, which can be used in facial recognition, smart sensing and energy-saving systems to improve overall performance, operational efficiency and image quality.

IR:6 products feature higher brightness, lower power consumption and optimized image output quality. By adjusting the LED structure and introducing a 920nm wavelength, IR:6 improves the sensing distance and system stability in applications such as security surveillance.

The features of IR:6 include improvements in a number of key technical parameters, such as image clarity, power efficiency and sensor performance. The infrared LED device equipped with this product can improve the image recognition effect, enhance the accuracy of facial recognition, and maintain the reliability of object recognition even in low-light environments.

Image source: ams OSRAM

IR:6 has also been optimized in terms of power consumption management, which helps extend the use time of battery-powered devices and is suitable for wearable devices, smart door locks, laptops, and security systems. The newly added 920nm band is between 850nm and 940nm, which helps to achieve a technical balance between transmission distance and image contrast details, helps reduce reflective interference, and improves identification and monitoring imaging performance.

In terms of application scope, IR:6 can be used in laptops, mobile phones and access control systems to improve the speed and stability of facial recognition. In image surveillance systems, the output clarity and imaging integrity have been improved. Other applicable scenarios include CCTV surveillance, visitor statistics, home cameras, smart doorbells, baby monitors, etc. IR:6 also supports blood oxygen monitoring, vein/fingerprint recognition, 2D facial recognition, eye tracking and AR devices, etc.

In terms of industrial and automotive applications, IR:6 can support object detection, machine vision, traffic monitoring and night vision systems, and is suitable for automation and driver assistance systems. For example, in industrial robots, self-driving systems and license plate recognition systems, improvements in infrared sensing capabilities can lead to higher operational efficiency and stability.

In terms of technology, ams-OSRAM has introduced a stack structure design and adopted a LED chip architecture with double P/N junctions connected in series, which increases the optical output power by about 1.8 times compared with traditional single-layer products. Although the operating voltage is increased, the component structure is simplified, which helps control system cost and volume, and is suitable for space-constrained systems.

In terms of materials, this series of products uses multi-generation thin film chips, using a thin film layer about 10 microns thick and a metal reflector design to effectively reduce light loss and improve photoelectric conversion efficiency. Compared with traditional light emitters, thin film emitters have approximately three times greater luminous efficiency. In addition, the improvement of the internal reflector structure and the optimization of the electrode layout also contribute to energy concentration and uniform current distribution.

Considering the wavelength and divergence angle requirements of different applications, the IR:6 series products provide multiple configurations of 850nm, 920nm and 940nm. Among them, 850nm is suitable for machine vision and long-distance lighting, 940nm is suitable for face and eyeball recognition, and 920nm is somewhere in between, achieving a balance between red exposure control and sensing sensitivity.

In terms of product portfolio, ams Osram has created a diverse product portfolio based on IR:6, including: OSLON® Black series: with multiple power options, suitable for vehicle sensing, industrial security and consumer equipment; OSLON® P1616: small size, high light efficiency, suitable for space-constrained applications; SYNIOS® P2720 lens integrated version: combining high power output and compact packaging, suitable for access control and biometric identification scenarios. (Source: ams-OSRAM)

TrendForce 2025 Infrared Sensing Application Market and Brand Strategy

Publication date: January 1, 2025
File format: PDF / EXCEL
Reporting language: Traditional Chinese / English
Number of pages: 184