Proximity sensor boasts 20cm range in compact package

With a range of up to 20cm (7.9 inches), the VCNL36687S simplifies the use and design-in of the proximity sensing capability in consumer and industrial applications, because no mechanical barriers are required to optically isolate the emitter from the detector.

The sensor features a miniature, surface-mount 3.05mm by 2mm leadless package (LLP) with a low profile of 1mm. The device's small footprint and low height make it ideal for space-constrained applications.

Mobile devices present numerous applications for the VCNL36687S, such as minimizing accidental touch inputs on a smartphone that can lead to call drops and camera launch, or detecting when a user is wearing or not wearing a VR / AR headset.

The sensor’s profile of ±3° makes it suitable for applications that require narrow angle detection and minimizes optical system design concerns.

Compared to previous generation devices, the VCNL36687S requires less energy to carry out the same functionality; with a 20 mA pulse current, it can detect a Kodak Gray Card at a distance of 20cm, where previous VCNL series devices required 200mA of current.

Through its standard I2C bus serial digital interface, the device allows easy access to the proximity signal.

Its programmable interrupt function offers wake-up functionality for the microcontroller when a proximity change occurs, which reduces processing overhead by eliminating the need for continuous polling.

Samples and production quantities of the VCNL36687S are available now, with lead times of 8 to 12 weeks.