Vishay Intertechnology's fully integrated proximity and ambient light optical sensor combines an IR emitter, PIN photo diode, ambient light detector, signal processing IC, and a 16bit ADC in a 3.95x3.95x0.75mm leadless, surface-mount package. The VCNL4000 supports an I2C bus communication interface. For mobile, computing and industrial devices and displays, the sensor saves power as a proximity sensor for touch screen locking, and serves as an integrated ambient light function for display or keypad contrast control and dimming. It eliminates the need for light barriers and optical alignment of the IR emitter and photo diode. Its 16bit effective resolution for proximity detection ensures good cross talk immunity, claims the company, while its programmable LED drive current from 10 to 200mA (in 10mA steps) allows object detection up to 200mm. The device suppresses ambient light by signal modulation. Its built-in ambient light PIN photo diode offers sensitivity similar to the human eye, with a 16bit dynamic range for ambient light detection from 0.33lux to 22klux. It also offers 100 and 120Hz flicker noise rejection. Featuring low stand-by current consumption of 1.5µA, it offers a supply voltage range of 2.5 to 3.6V and I2C bus voltage range from 1.7 to 5V. It operates over a range of -25 to +85°C.
