IR:6: the next generation of infrared LED technology

The new IR:6 chip technology implements various improvements in materials, structure and design to achieve its superior performance. These improvements include: 

  • Improvements to the intrinsic chip efficiency 
  • A new central bond pad for better current spreading and a lower forward voltage
  • Better roughening of the chip’s surface for higher decoupling efficiency and higher brightness

In addition, the new IR:6 technology adds the capability to emit light at a 920nm dominant wavelength, as well as the familiar 850nm and 940nm wavelengths. The new 920nm option offers a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than the 940nm option because of photodiodes’ higher sensitivity to shorter wavelengths, and a weaker visible red glow effect than at 850nm. 

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At the time of its launch, the IR:6 technology is available in the following ‘B’ designated versions of the existing OSLON® P1616 products, which are aimed at space-constrained applications: 

  • OSLON® P1616 SFH 4180BS – 920nm/940nm wavelength options, 1485mW radiant flux, 130° viewing angle
  • OSLON® P1616 SFH 4181BS – 920nm/940nm wavelength options, 1550mW radiant flux, 70° viewing angle
  • OSLON® P1616 SFH 4182BS – 920nm/940nm wavelength options, 1650mW radiant flux, 130° optimized viewing angle

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The technology is also available in new versions of existing OSLON® Black emitters: 

  • OSLON® Black SFH 4713B – 850nm wavelength, 980mW radiant flux, 80° viewing angle
  • OSLON® Black SFH 4714B – 850nm wavelength, 940mW radiant flux, 150° viewing angle
  • OSLON® Black SFH 47167B – 850nm wavelength, 940mW radiant flux, 110° x 130° rectangular field-of-illumination

The IR:6 chip is manufactured by ams OSRAM at its plant in Regensburg, Germany. The entire supply chain for OSLON® P1616 and OSLON® Black LEDs, from chip to packaging, is fully controlled by ams OSRAM to give customers full confidence in the product’s high-volume availability. 

Further information on the IR:6 technology can be found on our homepage. 

Learn more in the latest whitepaper, click here to download for free:

IR LED IR:6 | ams OSRAM

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The IR:6 technology is e.g. used in biometric authentication systems in PCs

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The IR:6 technology is also used in Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) applications