Sensors simplify brightness control in portable applications

The ISL29001 and ISL29002 sense visible light (380nm to 770nm) and convert light intensity to an easy-to-use 15-bit, I2C standard digital output signal. The devices integrate a current amplifier, a 50Hz/60Hz rejection filter to eliminate artificial light flicker and a 15-bit ADC (analogue-to-digital converter). The integrated light-to-digital sensors offer low power consumption, improving battery life.
The ISL29001 operates from the 0.3 lux to 10,000 lux range and the ISL29002 operates from the 1.0 lux to 100,000 lux range. The spectral wavelength sensitivity of the devices is very closely matched to that of the human eye (550nm peak response) thus improving panel visibility in backlight control applications.

Said to be extremely efficient, the ISL29001 and ISL29002 also feature a power-down mode for further power savings. The devices automatically compensate for die temperature by utilising Intersil’s two-diode design architecture. The ISL29001 comes in a space-saving 2.0mm x 2.1mm lead-free package and has a wide operating temperature range (-40 to +85 degrees C). The ISL29002 comes in an 8-lead, 3.0 mm x 3.0 mm (0 degrees to +70 degrees C) package and has three address-selection pins that allow up to eight sensors on a single I2C bus line.

Other key features of the devices include operation from a 2.5V to 3.3V supply and support for 5V I2C bus, they allow for up to 8 light sensors on a single I2C bus line, adjustable resolution: 3 to 15 counts per lux on the ISL29001; 0.15 to 1.65 counts per lux on the ISL29002, a simple output code - directly proportional to lux, and Pb-free plus anneal packaging (RoHS compliant).

Target applications for the devices include flat panel backlight control, keyboard backlight control, medical and industrial sensing, digital and still cameras, intrusion detection and lighting controls.
The ISL29001 is available now in a 6-lead DFN package and the ISL29002 is available now in an 8-lead DFN package.