Ams OSRAM SFH 7018 enables wearable devices to achieve high-quality heart rate and blood oxygen measurements

     Ams Osram, the world's leading provider of optical solutions, announced the release of a new multi-color LED package, the SFH 7018, with more than 40% higher radiation intensity than the previous generation, to improve the accuracy of PPG (photoelectric plethysmography) measurements in smartwatches, wristbands and other wearables.

     The SFH 7018 features a high-reflectivity QFN (square flat pin free) package that significantly improves light output. In addition, the improved two-cavity design places green leds separately from red leds and infrared (IR) leds: spacing and optical isolation ensure optimal light source placement relative to photodiodes, and reduce interference between green light (for heart rate measurement) and red and infrared light sources (for blood oxygen saturation or SpO2 measurement). Green chips do not cause red and infrared chips to fluoresce due to cross excitation at shorter wavelengths.

     The optimized size of the surface-mount QFN package is only 0.6mm high, making it easy to integrate the module into any type of wearable device. Despite its compact size, the SFH 7018 offers dual-drive capabilities that optimize forward voltage redundancy and reduce overall power consumption.

     Dr. Sergey Kudaev, Senior System Architect at AMS OSram, said: "With the new SFH 7018, wearable device manufacturers can significantly improve the quality of the optical signals on which heart rate and blood oxygen measurements depend, making such measurements more accurate and reliable in all operating conditions. When it comes to measuring vital signs, SFH 7018 helps improve the accuracy and absoluteness of heart rate, blood oxygen levels and even more advanced parameters such as blood pressure."