Vishay - Proximity and Ambient Light Optical Sensor to Combine an IR Emitter, PIN Photo Diode, Ambient Light Detector, Signal Processing IC, and 16-Bit ADC in One Package

For mobile devices such as smart phones, touch phones, PDAs, GPS units, and digital cameras, in addition to computing and industrial devices and displays, the new VCNL4000 saves power as a proximity sensor for touch screen locking, and serves as an integrated ambient light function for display/keypad contrast control and dimming. Containing all the circuitry needed for these applications in one device, the VCNL4000 eliminates the need for light barriers and optical alignment of the IR emitter and photo diode.

The sensor's 16-bit effective resolution for proximity detection ensures excellent cross talk immunity. While other products only achieve object detection up to 100 mm, the VCNL4000's programmable LED drive current from 10 mA to 200 mA (in 10 mA steps) allows distances up to 200 mm. The device offers excellent ambient light suppression by signal modulation.

The VCNL4000's built-in ambient light PIN photo diode offers sensitivity close to that of the human eye, with a 16-bit dynamic range for ambient light detection from 0.33 lux to 22 klux. The sensor offers 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker noise rejection.

Featuring low stand-by current consumption of 1.5µA, the device offers a supply voltage range of 2.5 V to 3.6 V and I2C bus voltage range from 1.7 V to 5 V. The sensor provides a Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) of 4 and operates over a temperature range of -25 °C to + 85 °C. The VCNL4000 is compliant to RoHS directive 2002/95/EC and WEEE 2002/96/EC, free of halogens, and compatible with lead (Pb)-free soldering.