Apr 22 2016
The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. today introduced a new high-accuracy digital ambient light sensor for consumer and industrial applications.
The Vishay Semiconductors VEML6030 combines a highly sensitive photo-diode, low-noise amplifier, and 16-bit ADC in a miniature, transparent surface-mount package measuring only 2 mm by 2 mm by 0.85 mm. The sensor adopts Filtron™ technology and features an interrupt function while supporting an I²C bus interface for simple operation.
Operating over a temperature range of -25 °C to +85 °C, the device released today will provide display and keypad dimming adjustment and optical switching for mobile devices such as smartphones and GPS units; notebooks and PC computers; LCD TVs, digital picture frames and digital cameras; and industrial and medical light sensing. As part of smart home lighting control systems, the VEML6030 provides accurate and current analysis of ambient lighting to give precise control even during unexpected situations, such as fast-moving storms. The device detects fading natural light and can detect the sun rising in the morning to control light levels.
Filtron technology enables ambient light spectral sensitivity close to that of the human eye, while the sensor’s adoption of O-Trim™ technology provides output tolerance of ≤ 10 %. The device offers detection from 0 lx to 167 klx and resolution down to 0.005 lx/ct, allowing for operation in applications with low-transmittance (dark) lens designs. The VEML6030 provides 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker noise rejection and excellent temperature compensation stability. The device features low power consumption down to just 2 μA in operating mode and 0.5 μA in shutdown mode.
The VEML6030’s supply voltage range is from 2.5 V to 3.6 V, while its I²C bus voltage range is from 1.7 V to 3.6 V. Offered in a lead (Pb)-free, 6-pin package, the device is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.
Samples of the new ambient light sensor are available now. Production quantities will be available in Q2 2016, with lead times of 12 weeks for large orders.