Integrated optical module reduces smoke detector false alarms

Analog Devices offers their new ADPD188BI, an integrated optical module offering two LEDs, photodiode, and AFE integrated combined in a single package. The high performing AFE provides high ambient light rejection and decreases power consumption to give longer battery life. The two LEDs help decrease false alarms often generated by steam and dust. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost one in four deaths (23%) in the USA happened where smoke detectors were disabled or not working. The device is engineered to meet new UL217 requirements as well as EN54/14604 specifications. Its integrated design uses two colors to separate particle sizes, increasing the ability to detect and classify smoke types and reject nuisance sources. The ADI solution enables a back-scattering design with closer proximity of the LED to the photodiode, reducing circuit board size and allowing for smaller smoke detectors that are more architecturally compatible for residential and commercial use.