New proximity sensor is ideal for battery-powered consumer applications

The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has released a new fully integrated proximity sensor created to increase efficiency and performance in consumer applications. Featuring a VCSEL, the Vishay Semiconductors VCNL36828P combines a photodiode, ASIC, 16-bit ADC, and smart dual I²C slave address in a compact 2mm x 1mm by 0.5mm surface-mount package.

Compared to previous-generation solutions, the proximity sensor delivers a 20% smaller package, 20% lower idle current of 5μA, and 40% higher sunlight cancellation up to 140klx. With a range of 200mm and a typical rated supply voltage of 1.8V, the device is created to deliver superior proximity detection while lowering power consumption to increase efficiency in space-constrained, battery-powered applications.

The proximity sensor will be employed in smartphones and smartwatches for automatic screen wake-up and turn-off functions and to detect if users are wearing true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones, VR/AR headsets, and smart glasses. To reduce costs in these applications, the device's smart dual I²C slave address allows for connecting two proximity sensors without needing a multiplexer.

The device offers a programmable interrupt function that lets designers specify high and low thresholds to decrease continuous communication with the microcontroller. The device uses intelligent cancellation to lower cross-talk, while a smart persistence scheme ensures accurate sensing and a faster response time. The VCSEL wavelength peaks at 940nm and has no visible 'red-tail'. The sensor is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.