The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has introduced a high-accuracy digital ambient light sensor for consumer and industrial applications. The Vishay Semiconductors VEML6030 combines a highly sensitive photo-diode, low-noise amplifier, and 16-bit ADC in a miniature, transparent surface-mount package measuring only 2 mm by 2 mm by 0.85 mm. The sensor adopts Filtron™ technology and features an interrupt function, while supporting an I2C bus interface for simple operation.
Vishay Semiconductors’?VEML6030?ambient light sensor. Source: Vishay.
Operating over a temperature range of -25 °C to +85 °C, the device will provide display and keypad dimming adjustment and optical switching for mobile devices such as smartphones and GPS units; notebooks and PC computers; LCD TVs, digital picture frames, and digital cameras; and industrial and medical light sensing. As part of smart home lighting control systems, the VEML6030 provides accurate and current analysis of ambient lighting to give precise control even during unexpected situations. The device detects fading natural light and can detect the sun rising in the morning to control light levels.
Filtron technology enables ambient light spectral sensitivity close to that of the human eye, while the sensor’s adoption of O-Trim™ technology provides output tolerance of ≤ 10 %. The device offers detection from 0 lx to 167 klx and resolution down to 0.005 lx/ct, allowing for operation in applications with low-transmittance (dark) lens designs.
The VEML6030 provides 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker noise rejection and good temperature compensation stability. The device features low power consumption down to 2 µA in operating mode and 0.5 µA in shutdown mode. Supply voltage range is from 2.5 V to 3.6 V, while I2C bus voltage range is from 1.7 V to 3.6 V. The sensor comes in a lead-free, six pin package.
Samples of the new ambient light sensor are available now. Production quantities are now available, with lead times of 12 weeks for large orders.
