Digital UV sensor suits wearable & IoT applications

The UVIS25 is a compact, digital UV sensor aimed at all UV-sensing markets, including wearable devices, smartphone and tablet apps and weather-station equipment. Leveraging patented ST technology, the device is sensitive to UV waves in the 200-400nm range, encompassing the key UV-A (315-400nm) and UV-B (280-315nm) wavelengths that are of greatest concern to human-health effects.

Exposure to UV radiation can affect people in ways that range from temporary sunburn to more serious conditions. UVI was developed, adopted and standardised in the mid ‘90s by the World Health Organization and the World Meteorological Organization to provide guidance on exposure to solar UV radiation so that people could take appropriate precautions to avoid harmful effects.

Delivering more than just sensing, the UVIS25 calculates the UVI internally, uniquely eliminating the need for external processing algorithms or calibration on the customer’s manufacturing line. Key features of the UVIS25 include a UVI output range of 0-15 with a resolution of just 1/16, SPI and I2C interfaces, 1.7-3.6V supply voltage range and the ability to provide updated UVI values as often as every second. The device is supplied in a 2.5x2.5x0.76mm LGA-10L transparent moulded package.

Francesco Italia, General Manager, High-End Sensor and Analog Division, STMicroelectronics, commented: “Today, with ozone layer depletion, higher levels of UV radiation reaching the earth's surface are more frequent. This new UV sensor is yet another demonstration of ST’s ability to enable new products and applications; it will help people to be sun-savvy and to live healthier lives."

Samples of the UVIS25 are available now, with volume production scheduled for the end of Q2 2015. Unit pricing is $1.70 in 1,000 unit quantities.