VCSEL-based reflective optical sensor saves space and delivers improved performance

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc's Optoelectronics group now offers a new reflective optical sensor for industrial, computer, consumer, and mobility applications. Saving space compared to previous-generation solutions – while delivering improved performance with a higher CTR, increased sensing distance, and lower power consumption – the Vishay Semiconductors VCNT2030 provides a VCSEL and a silicon phototransistor in a miniature 1.85mm x 1.2mm x 0.6mm surface-mount package.

The device provides a compact construction in which the emitting light source and detector are arranged in the same plane. It supplies excellent internal crosstalk suppression due to the VCSEL's narrow ±17° emission angle, enabling enhanced proximity performance behind cover glass. The device's analog output signal at the phototransistor is dependent on the amount of light emitted by the VCSEL and reflected off an object in the sensor's field of view. The device supplies a sensing distance of 15mm, three times higher than the closest competing device on the market.

With its compact footprint, the device saves >40% PCB space compared to previous-generation devices, permitting the sensor to serve as a space-saving solution for optical switching in industrial infrastructure, home and building controls, notebook and desktop computers, home appliances, consumer electronics, and metering applications; optical encoding for motor control in e-bikes, golf carts, tractors, and harvesters; and paper presence detection in printers and scanners. In these applications, the low 8mA driving current of the device's VCSEL is enough to attain the same performance as solutions utilising 20mA infrared emitters, greatly lowering power consumption.

The sensor provides a detection range of 0.3mm to 6mm, an emitter wavelength of 940nm, and a typical output current of 2.5mA, representing a typical CTR of 31% under test conditions. This value is >100% higher than previous-generation solutions and the closest competing sensor. The device features an MSL of 3 for reflow soldering according to J-STD-020. It is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.