New photodiode from Vishay

The VEMD8082 offers improved reverse light current, reduced diode capacitance, and faster rise and fall times compared to earlier models. Its compact dimensions of 4.8 mm by 2.5 mm by 0.5 mm make it ideal for integration into slim devices like smartwatches.

The VEMD8082’s heightened sensitivity is particularly beneficial in biomedical applications such as photoplethysmography (PPG), where the photodiode plays a key role in detecting blood volume and flow changes by measuring the light absorbed or reflected by blood vessels. Accurate measurements are essential in these scenarios, especially for monitoring and diagnosing cardiovascular conditions.

Key specifications contributing to the VEMD8082’s superior sensitivity include a radiant sensitive area of 6.0 mm² and an increase in reverse light current by 18% to 20%, depending on the wavelength. Additionally, the device’s diode capacitance has been reduced from 50 pF to 46 pF, and its rise times have been improved to 40 ns from 110 ns, enabling higher sampling rates.