New proximity sensors offer low power consumption

The Optoelectronics Group of Vishay Intertechnology has introduced two new fully integrated proximity sensors created to improve efficiency and performance in consumer and industrial applications. Highlighting an IR emitter and a VCSEL, respectively, the Vishay Semiconductors VCNL36821S and VCNL36826S each merge a photodiode, signal processing IC, and 12-bit ADC in a compact 2.55mm x 2.05mm x 1mm surface-mount package.

In comparison to previous-generation devices, the proximity sensors provide smaller packages at a cheaper cost, making them excellent for space-constrained battery-powered applications. With ranges to 300mm, they also offer collision detection in toys and consumer and industrial robots.

The devices support the I2C bus communication interface for simple access to the proximity signal, while their programmable interrupt function enables designers to specify high and low thresholds to decrease the continuous communication with the microcontroller. The proximity sensors employ intelligent cancellation to remove cross-talk, while a smart persistence scheme assures accurate sensing and faster response time. The IRED and VCSEL wavelengths peak at 940nm and have no visible 'red-tail'.

The two devices provide excellent temperature compensation from -40C to +85C, and an MSL of three — in accordance with J-STD-020 — for a floor life of 168 hours. The sensors are RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.