How Does ActLight's Dynamic PhotoDetector Differ from Current Wearable Device Sensors on the Market – And Why the Market is Set for a Shift?

It is no doubt that wearable technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, enhancing how we monitor health, track fitness, and interact with our digital world. Devices like the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit have set high standards for functionality and user experience. However, within the industry in general, there are still significant challenges related to sensor accuracy, energy efficiency, and integration. ActLight's Dynamic PhotoDetector (DPD) technology offers a distinct approach to overcoming these challenges, potentially revolutionizing the wearable tech market.

The Evolution of Light Sensing in Wearables

Traditional photodiodes have been foundational in light sensing since the 1950s. These devices typically operate under a static reverse bias, where light intensity is measured through a weak photocurrent, often necessitating additional amplification. This increases power consumption and complexity—factors that are less than ideal for wearable devices which demand compactness and energy efficiency.

ActLight’s Dynamic PhotoDetector (DPD) technology shifts this paradigm by using a dynamic regime. Instead of maintaining a constant voltage, the DPD switches from reverse to forward bias. The light intensity is determined by the delay time until a strong forward current appears, eliminating the need for analog amplification and significantly reducing noise.

Key Differences and Benefits of ActLight’s DPD Technology

Read more about the possibilities through DPD on our technology page.

1. Superior Sensitivity and Dynamic Range

• Current Technologies: current devices use static photodiodes that often require external amplification to detect weak light signals. This can lead to increased power usage and limited sensitivity.
• DPD: By measuring the delay time of the forward current, our sensors provide a high output signal without the need for amplification. This results in superior sensitivity and a wide dynamic range, enabling precise measurements in both low-light and bright conditions.

2. Enhanced Energy Efficiency

• Current Technologies: Many wearables struggle with battery life due to the high power demands of their sensors and amplification systems. While modern devices are efficient, they still require regular charging due to the energy consumption of their sensors.
• ActLight’s DPD: Operating at low voltages around 1V, our DPD technology conserves energy by eliminating the need for external amplification. This makes it ideal for wearables, extending battery life and reducing the frequency of recharging.

3. Integration and Miniaturization

• Current Technologies: Wearable devices often face challenges with integrating multiple sensors into a compact form factor without compromising performance. This can limit the design and functionality of devices like smart rings and smartwatches.
• ActLight’s DPD: Designed for seamless integration into modern digital circuits, compatible with standard CMOS processes, our technology supports the creation of compact, high-performance devices. The flexibility in size and compatibility with non-silicon materials also enables a broader range of applications.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

Smartwatches and Fitness Bands

Smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 utilize ambient light sensors to adjust screen brightness and monitor health metrics, and it is impressive to witness how these technologies have come a long way since their first generation. While ActLight’s DPD is not yet integrated within modern smartwatches, we are constantly striving to enhance these functions by providing accurate and reliable data, improving both display readability and health monitoring accuracy.

Smartrings

Devices like the Oura Ring offer health and activity tracking in a compact form. By integrating ActLight’s DPD sensors, smart-rings could achieve greater accuracy in biometric measurements such as heart rate and sleep tracking, while also benefiting from extended battery life.

IoT and Home Devices

Our sensors' high sensitivity and reliability make them ideal for a wide range of IoT and home devices. They can enhance features such as environmental monitoring, smart lighting control, and advanced home automation. ActLight's DPD technology ensures precise and efficient light sensing, enabling seamless integration with other smart home systems while maintaining low power consumption, which is crucial for sustained and effective IoT functionality.

Ongoing Research and Development

At ActLight, we are continually advancing our DPD's light sensing capabilities through rigorous research and development at the CMi research center in Lausanne. Our focus is on refining silicon wafers and enhancing the overall sensitivity and efficiency of our sensors. This commitment to innovation ensures that our technology remains at the forefront of the wearable tech market. Learn more about our current research in this video.

The Importance of Robust Patents

Robust patents are essential for protecting innovation and maintaining market leadership. Recent high-profile cases in the industry have highlighted the critical role that secure intellectual property plays in safeguarding a company's technological advancements. Strong patents not only prevent unauthorized use by competitors but also provide a solid foundation for bringing new technologies to market with confidence. ActLight's patents offer such protection, ensuring that our cutting-edge technologies can be commercialized without the risk of infringement.

You can learn more about our patents on our website.

ActLight’s Dynamic PhotoDetector addresses the key challenges faced by current wearable devices, offering enhanced sensitivity, energy efficiency, and integration flexibility.

For more insights into how ActLight is revolutionising light sensing in wearables, visit our technology page and discover the future of precision sensing.

For any further questions, do not hesitate to reach our directly to our CCO, Roberto Magnifico