Digital sensor from OSRAM combines proximity and ambient light sensors in one compact unit

The digital SFH 7770 sensor replaces the usual separate ambient light and proximity sensors and takes up very little space, measuring just 2.8 x 2.8 x 0.9 mm. At the same time, by combining the two functions, it offers added performance and consumes only 350 µA during operation and only 5 µA in stand-by mode.



The proximity sensor uses the reflection of the emitted light from a separate IR LED not only to detect objects close to it but also to recognize whether the object is moving toward or away from it. Its high sensitivity in the range from 1 µW/cm² to 10 mW/cm² allows it to operate at long distances of up to 30 cm. With its digital output, the sensor supports the high-speed I²C bus at up to 3.4 MHz.



When it measures brightness, the integrated ambient light sensor immediately returns a lux value of between 3 and 65,000 lx so that the display brightness can be adapted precisely to the ambient light conditions. This makes the display easier to read and increases the time between battery recharges. The sensor is not influenced by the 50-60 Hz fluctuations in the brightness of ambient light produced, for example, by fluorescent lamps.



The digital double pack of proximity and ambient light sensor gives manufacturers of cell phones new freedom of design. Different functionalities can be achieved with just one component – depending on the phone, it could be only the proximity function, only the ambient light function, or both together. The board design and the number of manufacturing processes are the same in all cases.



The cover design also benefits from the SFH 7770 sensor. “Thanks to the high sensitivity of the SFH 7770, the entire cover can now be made of colored plastic with only minimal loss of range for the sensor,” said Dr. Markus Foerste, Head of Development in the Infrared business segment at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. “There is no longer any need for transparent windows.”



By using two further IR LEDs, it is possible to detect gestures with the SFH 7770. The necessary hardware drivers are already integrated. The IR LEDs transmit light signals at a certain frequency. The sensor measures the reflections to detect horizontal and vertical movements. Gesture detection from such small components makes contactless control of applications possible even for very small cell phones and smart phones. Users can flick through photos without even touching the phone or disable an integrated touchpad to prevent starting an app unintentionally.