The use of Optoelectronics, particularly in areas such as endoscopic medicine and surgery, biotechnology and ophthalmology, has grown significantly in recent decades. It also predicts that medical, along with consumer products and the automotive industry, will be one of the key sectors driving this growth. Other common medical applications that normally incorporate optoelectronic sensors in some shape or form include pulse oximetry (measuring the amount of oxygen in the blood), blood diagnostics, such as blood glucose monitoring, urine analysis and dental diagnosis. As medical devices become more complex, and expectations of what can be achieved and diagnosed more demanding, optic and optoelectronic image sensors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming more sophisticated, as well as smaller and less invasive.
Over the last few years, Optoelectronics and optical communications have increased their viability over standard metal-based electronic interconnects. The current silicon-based photodetector used in optical communications has a major issue when it comes to detecting data in the near infrared range, which is the range used for telecommunications. The telecom industry has overcome this problem by integrating germanium absorbers with the standard silicon photonic devices. They have been able to make fully functioning devices on chips using this process. However, this process is complex.
Optoelectronic semiconductor devices have a major impact on almost all areas of Information Technology. These devices can be classified based on their functional roles like output, input, processing, transmission, memory and others. Many technologies and physical properties are imposed by applications using Optoelectronics. Several such applications have come to our understanding and control only during the previous decade.
Light-detecting devices, such as phototransistors, are designed to convert received electromagnetic energy into electric current or voltage. Light-detecting devices can be used for light sensing and communication. Optoelectronics device is basically an electronic device involving light. This device can be found in many optoelectronics applications like military services, telecommunications, automatic access control systems and medical equipment.
This field covers a wide range of devices including LEDs and elements, image pick up devices, information displays, optical communication systems, optical storages and remote sensing systems, etc. Optoelectronic devices include telecommunication laser, blue laser, optical fiber, LED traffic lights, photo diodes and solar cells. Majority of the optoelectronic devices are LEDs, laser diodes, photo diodes and solar cells. Optoelectronics are classified into different types such as Photodiode, Solar Cells, Light Emitting Diodes, Optical Fiber and Laser Diodes. LEDs are always in talks and are said to become the next generation of lighting and used anywhere like in indication lights, computer components, medical devices, watches, instrument panels, switches, fiber-optic communication, consumer electronics, household appliances, traffic signals, automobile brake lights, 7 segment displays and inactive displays etc.
The another major segment is the solar cells, that are applicable in rural electrification, telecommunication systems, ocean navigation aids, and electric power generation in space, remote monitoring and are also used in different solar energy based projects such as Solar Energy Measurement System and industrial equipment. Thus, this is about the optoelectronic devices which include laser diodes, photo diodes, solar cells, LEDs, optical fibers. These optoelectronic devices are used in different electronic project kits as well as in telecommunications, military services and in medical applications.
Technological innovations in the optoelectronics sector, increasing use of electronic gadgets and rising demand for power-efficient devices are the major factors which are driving the growth in the Global Optoelectronics Market. However, high initial capital requirement, the high cost of spare parts and complexity in operating the devices are the main challenges that hamper the market growth. Optoelectronics device are the devices that involve operation on both electrical current and light. These devices are of two types-light sensitive and light generating devices. Mostly, light sensitive devices are used in electronic circuits including phototransistors, photodiodes, and light-sensitive resistors and so on.
Below mentioned are some of the applications of Optoelectronic devices:
- LED’s have revolutionized lighting system and used in areas like computer components, watches, medical devices, fiber optic communication, switches, household appliances, consumer electronics and 7 segment displays
- Solar Cells are used in several solar energy based projects for measurement systems, auto irrigation system, solar power charge controller, Arduino based solar street lights, and sun tracking solar panels
- Optical Fibers are used in telecommunication, fiber lasers, sensors, bio-medicals and other industries
- Laser Diodes find their use in military applications, surgical procedures, optical memories, CD players, local area networks and in electrical projects like RF controlled robotic vehicles
Radical changes are foreseen in the future market
Optoelectronics is a critical foundational technology that enables all the primary functions of the evolving information industry, however today the scope has widened to incorporate more and more applications throughout. It is needed not only as a competitive alternative to existing system but also helpful in thereby updating itself in the world of intelligent next generation system. Let us have a look at the products from industry leaders. These products have shown its big impact in the areas of smart infrastructure and in the embedded application systems and has also received great attention from the consumer as well as from the distributors
Broadcom ACPL-K70A/K73A High-Speed Optocouplers
Broadcom ACPL-K70A/K73A High-Speed Optocouplers are high gain series couplers that use LED and an integrated high gain photodetector. This provides an extremely high current transfer ratio between input and output. These optocouplers come with separate pins for the photodiode and output stage that result in LVTTL-compatible saturation voltages and high-speed operation.
Skyworks Solutions Inc. OLI100 Miniature Phototransistor Optocoupler
Skyworks Solutions Inc. OLI100 Miniature Phototransistor Optocoupler is designed for hybrid applications that require optical isolation with a high Current Transfer Ratio (CTR) and low-saturation VCE. This optocoupler consists of an LED and an NPN silicon phototransistor mounted and coupled in a miniature custom ceramic package. The OLI100 optocoupler features very low input current making it suitable for direct CMOS to Low Power Schottky Transistor to Transistor Logic (LSTTL/TTL) interfaces.
Renesas Electronics RV1S92xxA/22xxA 8.2mm Creepage Photocouplers
Renesas Electronics RV1S92xxA/22xxA 8.2mm Creepage Photocouplers are optically coupled isolators containing a light emitting diode. The package is very small and thin with a long creepage distance (8.2mm). These products are suitable for various interface circuits which require surface mounting and high-density mounting.
Toshiba TLP2363 Infrared LED & Photo IC Photocoupler
Toshiba TLP2363 Infrared LED & Photo IC Photocoupler consists of a high-output light-emitting diode coupled with integrated high-gain, high-speed photodetectors. TLP2363 combined with appropriate external components enables a 24V digital input module to adhere to the IEC 61131-2 Type 1 specification. The device is ideal for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), factory automation, and measuring instruments.
ON Semiconductor FOD8482 Low Power Optocoupler
ON Semiconductor FOD8482 Low Power Optocoupler is a low power optocoupler that supports an isolated interface to Intelligent Power Module (IPM). This IPM communicates digital control signals from the controller to the same without ground loops or hazardous voltages. The FOD8482 optocoupler operates at 3mA lower threshold input current and 4.5V to 30V wide operating voltage range.
Omron Electronics EE-SX3173 / EE-SX4173 Photomicrosensors
Omron Electronics EE-SX3173 / EE-SX4173 Photomicrosensors feature 24VDC models for large size machinery and 5VDC models for smaller equipment. These Photomicrosensors have a Zener diode that increases noise immunity and an M3 screw mounting design. The connectors on these Photomicrosensors sport locks that resist both vibration and shock.
Vishay Optical Sensors
Vishay Optical Sensor portfolio includes reflective, transmissive, and ambient light sensors. These feature either analog or digital output. They are used in consumer, computing, industrial, and automotive applications. Reflective and transmissive sensors are typically used to detect the presence of an object, and to determine its directional motion and speed.
KEMET Electronics Pyroelectric Infrared Flame Sensors
KEMET Electronics Pyroelectric Infrared Flame Sensors include QFC Analog Sensors and QFS I2C-SMD Sensors. QFC Analog sensors offer exceptionally high responsivity and provide accurate discrimination of flame sources in triple IR flame detection systems. KEMET QFC Pyroelectric Infrared Flame Sensors are ideal for infrastructure, industrial and forest protection, while QFS Sensors are built for smart home, building and transportation and industrial IoT applications.
Vishay VEMD4 Silicon PIN Photodiodes
Vishay VEMD4 Silicon PIN Photodiodes are high speed and high sensitivity PIN photodiodes. The VEMD4 photodiodes are miniature surface-mount devices (SMD) with a 0.42mm2 sensitive area. The devices feature a daylight blocking filter matched with IR emitters operating at a wavelength of 830nm to 950nm.
STMicroelectronics STEVAL-LLL008V1 LED Driver Reference Design
STMicroelectronics STEVAL-LLL008V1 is a high-efficiency, low THD, dimmable LED Driver Reference Design based on the HVLED001B LED Controller, HVLED002 High Power Factor Flyback Controller, and the SPSGRFC Programmable Transceiver Module. The STEVAL-LLL008V1 Reference Design is designed to demonstrate a dual-stage LED driver circuit for 100W LED lighting applications using 6LoWPAN Mesh networking.
FLIR Systems C5™ Compact Thermal Camera
FLIR C5™ Compact Thermal Camera allows users to inspect, document, and share quickly with cloud connectivity and Wi-Fi. The camera features a thermal camera, a visual inspection camera, and a LED flashlight to easily identify hidden problems. Built-in FLIR Ignite™ cloud connectivity allows direct data transfer, storage, and backup, so images are always available.
Raspberry Pi High-Quality Camera
Raspberry Pi High-Quality Camera features a 12.3MP Sony IMX477 sensor, with a 7.9mm diagonal image size. The camera features a back-illuminated sensor architecture, with adjustable back focus and support for C- and CS-mount lenses. The camera is designed to accept CS-mount lenses, and C-mount lenses with the supplied adapter.
Infineon Technologies BCR431U Linear Low Voltage Drop LED Driver
Infineon Technologies BCR431U Linear Low Voltage Drop LED Driver is designed to regulate LED current in standalone operation without any external power transistors. The BCR431U is suitable for driving currents up to 37mA, with a supply voltage range from 6V to 42V. The LED current level can be adjusted by connecting a high-ohmic resistor Rset to pin RS.
Broadcom HSMx Infrared Emitters
Broadcom HSMx Infrared Emitters are top-view surface-mount IR chip LEDs. These infrared emitters provide an integrated optical lens to narrow the light beam that minimizes cross-talk and increases high on-axis radiant intensity. The HSMx emitters offer a small form factor that features flexibility in board design and offer maximum-miniaturization benefits in portable devices.
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Metal Can® Nanostack Pulsed Laser Diodes
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Metal Can® Nanostack Pulsed Laser Diodes (PLDs) are high-powered, short-pulsed lasers in a compact TO-56 package. Designed for tasks like distance and speed measurement based on Time-of-Flight (ToF), these PLDs feature Nanostack technology, which offers high optical output power from small laser aperture with outstanding reliability.
Broadcom ACNU-250L High-Speed Optocouplers
Broadcom® ACNU-250L High-Speed Optocouplers are single-channel 1MBd optocouplers in an SSO8 footprint. These optocouplers are equipped with an insulating layer between the light-emitting diode and an integrated photon detector to provide electrical insulation between input and output. The separate connection for the photodiode bias and output transistor collector reduces the base-collector capacitance.
Diodes Incorporated AL8116 Dimming Signal Interface Controller
Diodes Incorporated AL8116 Flexible 0-10V Dimming Signal Interface Controller allows the conversion of three different inputs of dimmer type. These include 0 to 10V DC linear dimming, 0 to 100% duty cycle PWM (pulse width modulation) signal and a simple resistive potentiometer to an output PWM signal. The AL8116 Controller features a 10V to 56V wide input voltage and provides isolation dimming control via an optocoupler to the primary side LED driver.
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors SPL SxL90A LiDAR QFN Packaged SMT Lasers
Osram SPL SxL90A LiDAR QFN Packaged SMT Lasers are infrared high-power SMT components for LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) applications. This allows autonomous vehicles to “see” farther and more effectively. The AEC-Q102 qualified four-channel and single-channel pulse lasers offer a performance of 125W at 40A per channel and an efficiency of up to 33%.
ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY 2.8″ uniTFT Display Module
ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY 2.8″ uniTFT Display Module features graphical functions and intuitive menu control with its built-in instruction set. This display module operates at 3.3V and is controlled by the built-in RS232, SPI, I2C, and USB interfaces. The 2.8″ uniTFT display module offers All Angle Color Stability (AACS) display with optimized backlight and TFT-panel over a wide viewing angle.
Texas Instruments DLP3010LC Digital Micromirror Device (DMD)
Texas Instruments DLP3010LC Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) is a digitally controlled micro-opto-electromechanical system (MOEMS) spatial light modulator (SLM). When coupled to an appropriate optical system, the DMD displays a very crisp and high quality image or video. This DMD is a component of the chipset comprising the DMD, DLPC3478 display and light controller, and DLPA200x/DLPA300x PMIC/LED driver.
ERP Power VZM Compact LED Driver
ERP Power VZM Compact LED Driver offers a 90W maximum output power, 24VDC to 48VDC output voltage range, and up to 90% efficiency. The VZM series features a compact constant voltage Class 2 LED Driver with overcurrent protection. This Driver has an IP20-rated aluminum case with silicon-based potting and a 1% to 100% dimming range.
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors SYNIOS® S 2222 Midpower LEDs
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors SYNIOS® S 2222 Midpower LEDs offer a full-color range with 140mA binning, in a compact 2.2mm2 outline. The Synios S 2222 LEDs are suitable for a wide range of applications, from customized lighting solutions for electronic devices, ambient lighting for trains and planes, to high-quality architectural lighting.
As per the reports, the pandemic of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected every aspect of life globally. This has brought along several changes in market conditions. The rapidly changing market scenario, initial and future assessment of the impact reports a concise analysis of the growth factors influencing the current business scenario across various regions. Increasing demand for consumer electronic devices fuel the Optoelectronics Market. Optoelectronics consist of light emitting devices which converts electrical signals to visible or infrared radiation energy, or vice-versa.
Consumer electronic devices, digital imaging solution and communication network are the major areas where Optoelectronics has huge market opportunity for its major High-brightness LEDs (HB-LEDs), CMOS image sensors and Fiber-optic laser transmitters components. In addition to this, increased demand for advanced technology in automotive industry is creating market opportunity for Optoelectronics. Most of the automotive vendors are integrating infrared components in cars for detect ambient light, whether estimation, gestured control for the infotainment console and night vision. These new application areas strengthen the Optoelectronics market share in emerging sectors. In Asia Pacific region, the market for Optoelectronics market is witnessing slow growth rate due to lack of knowledge and modern technologies to integrate with this technology. But the days are not far when the region would have enormous resources and technology so as to meet the needs of the society.
By: Mannu Mathew | Sub Editor | ELE Times
