Vishay launches VCSEL-powered proximity sensor with range up to 20cm in 3.05mm by 2mm leadless package

Vishay Intertechnology Inc of Malvern, PA, USA has launched a fully integrated proximity sensor that combines a high-power vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), a photodiode, a signal processing IC and a 12-bit ADC in a single package. The VCNL36687S is designed to be used in smartphones, tablets, virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) headsets and other battery-operated devices.

With a range of up to 20cm (7.9”), it simplifies the use and design-in of the proximity sensing capability in consumer and industrial applications, because no mechanical barriers are required to optically isolate the emitter from the detector. The VCNL36687S features a miniature, surface-mount 3.05mm by 2mm leadless package (LLP) with a low profile of 1mm. The small footprint and low height make it suitable for space-constrained applications.

Applications in mobile devices include minimizing accidental touch inputs on a smartphone that can lead to call drops and camera launch, or detecting when a user is wearing or not wearing a VR/AR headset. The VCSEL’s profile of ±3° makes the VCNL36687S suitable for applications that require narrow angle detection and minimizes optical system design concerns.

Compared with previous-generation devices, the VCNL36687S requires less energy to carry out the same functionality; with a 20mA pulse current, it can detect a Kodak Gray Card at a distance of 20cm, where previous VCNL series devices required 200mA of current.

Through its standard I2C bus serial digital interface, the VCNL36687S allows easy access to the proximity signal. Its programmable interrupt function offers wake-up functionality for the microcontroller when a proximity change occurs, which reduces processing overhead by eliminating the need for continuous polling.

Samples and production quantities of the VCNL36687S are available now, with lead times of 8-12 weeks.

Tags: Vishay VCSELs

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