The Future of Miniaturisation
As wearable technology continues to evolve, the demand for compact, efficient devices is higher than ever. From smartwatches to smart rings, consumers are looking for smaller, more comfortable wearables that deliver accurate health monitoring, extended battery life, and seamless functionality. However, as these devices become more compact, the components inside—particularly sensors—must keep pace without compromising performance.
At ActLight, we see this challenge as an opportunity. We believe the future of wearables will be defined by technologies that prioritize efficiency, accuracy, and miniaturization. Our Dynamic PhotoDetector (DPD) technology is already answering these questions, providing a new approach to light sensing that meets the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s wearable devices.
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Wearable Technology’s Push for Miniaturization
The wearable device market has grown significantly over the past decade, with IDC projecting that over 500 million units will be shipped annually by 2025. As wearables become integral to monitoring health, fitness, and even sleep patterns, there’s a clear trend towards devices that are smaller and more discreet. Smart rings, fitness bands, and smartwatches are examples of this push for miniaturization.
However, reducing the size of these devices brings new challenges. Traditional photodiodes—commonly used for biometric sensing such as heart rate and blood oxygen measurement—often require external amplification to detect weak signals. This adds complexity and consumes additional power, which can be a limitation in small, battery-powered devices. As wearables shrink in size, new approaches to light sensing are essential to maintain functionality without sacrificing efficiency.
Dynamic Light Sensing: A Solution for Smaller, Smarter Wearables
We’ve developed a solution to these challenges with ActLight’s Dynamic PhotoDetector (DPD). Unlike traditional photodiodes that operate at a static reverse bias, our DPD works in a dynamic regime, switching from reverse to forward bias and measuring light intensity based on the delay time of a forward current. This method eliminates the need for analog amplification, improving power efficiency and reducing noise.
Because DPD operates at low voltages—around 1V—it significantly reduces the power consumption of wearable devices while maintaining high performance. This is critical as the demand for extended battery life increases, particularly in devices worn throughout the day. The technology’s ability to deliver accurate readings in low-light conditions ensures reliable data for health monitoring applications such as heart rate variability (HRV) and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2).
A Future of Efficiency and Precision in Wearable Tech
We believe in a future where wearables are not only more compact but also far more efficient. As devices become smaller, the need for sensors that can fit seamlessly within these form factors without compromising on functionality becomes critical. Our DPD technology offers a way to reduce component size, eliminate unnecessary power drains, and improve signal quality, all while enabling the next generation of wearable health monitoring devices.
One of the key benefits of our DPD technology is its ability to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This is particularly important in wearables that must operate in varying light conditions or while in motion, where traditional sensors may struggle. The dynamic nature of our DPD allows for real-time adaptation, delivering more accurate data in challenging environments, which is crucial for health-focused applications.
Learn about the applications of our DPD
Applications in Smartwatches and Smart Rings
Smartwatches and smart rings are at the forefront of wearable technology, offering a wide range of features in increasingly compact designs. The ability to monitor vital signs like heart rate, sleep patterns, and SpO2 with greater precision is becoming a standard consumer expectation. Our DPD technology is specifically designed to meet the high demands of these applications.
By offering precise light sensing without the need for external amplification, our technology supports smaller device sizes and longer battery life—key benefits for the future of wearables. Whether it’s a sleek smartwatch or a discreet smart ring, DPD’s flexibility in design and superior efficiency make it a perfect fit for the next generation of wearables.
ActLight’s Ongoing Research and Development
At ActLight, our commitment to pushing the boundaries of light sensing doesn’t stop with the development of DPD. Our ongoing research at the CMi Research Centre in Lausanne is focused on refining the sensitivity and efficiency of our technology. By continuing to enhance our silicon wafers and improving the overall performance of our detectors, we are preparing for the future of wearable technology.
A recent report by Statista projects that the global smartwatch market will reach over $96 billion by 2028, driven by advancements in health monitoring and compact, energy-efficient technologies. Our ongoing research at the CMi Research Centre in Lausanne focuses on refining our Dynamic PhotoDetector (DPD) – By improving the sensitivity and efficiency of our sensors, we aim to support the development of next-generation wearables that offer precise health tracking with minimal power consumption.
Have you read our more in-depth article on our ongoing research?
Why Robust Patents Matter
In a rapidly advancing tech landscape, innovation must be protected. As we continue to pioneer dynamic light sensing, strong intellectual property (IP) is essential to safeguarding our work. Our DPD technology is backed by robust patents, ensuring that we can bring our solutions to market confidently and securely. This level of protection is crucial in the competitive field of wearable technology, where advancements happen quickly, and the need to protect IP is paramount.
Conclusion
The next wave of wearable devices will be defined by miniaturization, efficiency, and precision. As consumers demand smaller, more powerful devices, light sensing technologies must evolve to meet these expectations. At ActLight, we are committed to driving this change through our Dynamic PhotoDetector technology, providing the industry with solutions that enable wearables to become smarter, smaller, and more efficient.
To learn more about how our DPD technology can enhance your next wearable device, visit our technology page or reach out to our CCO, Roberto Magnifico .
