Osram pushes new infrared LED light output power boost

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors has introduced a new infrared LED that reduces the size of the light source for automotive camera assist systems. Compared to the previously used Platinum DRAGON LED, the Synios SFH 4770S A01 takes up only one-tenth of the space and increases the optical output power by 25%.

Just last year, OSRAM launched the first Synios infrared LED (IRED) for the consumer goods market, the SFH 4770S. Nowadays, the application range of this component is extended to the automotive field. The new IRED has a wavelength of 850 nm and is mainly used in the infrared illumination of camera systems to monitor the surrounding environment of the car.

These systems include night vision assistance systems and forward collision detection systems such as pedestrian protection solutions that work with camera images. The area in front of the car is filled with infrared light, and the surrounding environment of the car can be reliably detected even in the dark or in harsh weather conditions. Laser-based systems typically operate with pulsed light, while the camera-based systems described above tend to use permanent light sources.

Excellent luminous efficiency

It is expected to replace the Dragon product family currently used in similar applications. The main requirement is to maintain high optical output power in continuous operation (DC). The new IRED achieves nearly 1200 mW of light output power at 1A, which is about 25% brighter than the Platinum Dragon SFH 4235.

Dr. Walter Rothmund, Director of Automotive Infrared Components Marketing at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, said: “At present, SFH 4770S A01 has the highest luminous efficiency and the best component size and optical output power ratio in the automotive industry.”

Like the previous version, the SFH 4770S A01 includes an efficient chip with nano-stacking technology with two illuminating PN junctions. Its typical forward voltage is 3.2 V.

Lower system cost

Like the Dragon LED SFH 4235, Synios is also a Lambertian emitter, making it an ideal source for reflector systems. The Synios package measures 2.75 x 2.0 x 0.6 mm, which is much smaller than Dragon and requires 90% less space.

However, its thermal conductivity does not change and the typical thermal resistance is still 6 K/W. With it, designers can design systems with the same thermal management performance and much smaller size. Its higher light output power means that the number of components required is significantly reduced with the same target brightness, further reducing system cost.

The doctor also said: "With the launch of the new Synios, we have successfully developed a compact and compact product for the automotive industry, and is expected to expand into a product family. For example, we are planning to add other wavelength versions."

Technical data

Excellent luminous efficiency, component size and optical output power ratio: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors' new infrared LED SFH 4770S A01 is expected to replace the Dragon product family and will be mainly used in infrared lighting devices for in-vehicle camera auxiliary systems. With the new Synios SFH 4770S A01 from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, the infrared light source for night vision assist systems will be more compact and cost effective.