Reflective optical sensor saves space

The device released today features a compact construction in which the emitting light source and detector are arranged in the same plane, with excellent internal crosstalk suppression. The VCNT2020's analog output signal is triggered by the detection of reflected infrared light from a nearby object.

The sensor's built-in daylight blocking filter greatly suppresses disturbing ambient light, thereby increasing the signal-to-noise ratio. The device's compact QFN package features wettable flanks to enable optical inspection of the solder joints. This lowers costs by eliminating the need for expensive x-ray inspections.

The VCNT2020 will be used for optical switching in office equipment and home appliances; optical encoding in disc and tape drives for DVD and / or camera applications; and paper presence detection in printers and copy machines.

The sensor offers a detection range of 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm, an emitter wavelength of 940 nm, and a typical output current of 1.6 mA, which represents a typical current transfer ratio (CTR) of 8% under test conditions and is up to four times higher than that of similar devices available on the market.

The device features a Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) of 4 for reflow soldering according to J-STD-020; it is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green. Samples and production quantities of the new VCNT2020 are available now, with lead times of eight to 12 weeks for large orders.