The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology of Malvern, Pennsylvania USA, introduced a new high-accuracy digital ambient light sensor for handheld consumer devices and flat-panel televisions. The Vishay VEML7700 integrates a photo-diode, 16-bit ADC, and a low-noise amplifier in a miniature, transparent surface-mount package measuring 6.8 mm by 3.0 mm by 2.35 mm. The sensor employs the company’s Filtron™ technology and supports an I²C bus interface for simple operation. The device is for backlight dimming and optical switching for consumer products, in addition to power on / off for industrial lighting systems. According to Vishay, the device offers compact size and mounting flexibility as a side- or top-view device. The sensor is reportedly ideal for CCTV cameras, small televisions, smartphones, PDAs, and GPS units. Vishay says that when used in conjunction with Vishay IR receivers such as the TSOP772, the VEML7700’s side-view package offers the same dimensions and optical axis height for simplified window designs. The ambient light sensor’s Filtron technology enables ambient light spectral sensitivity close to that of the human eye.
The device is for backlight dimming and optical switching for consumer products, in addition to power on / off for industrial lighting systems. According to Vishay, the device offers compact size and mounting flexibility as a side- or top-view device. The sensor is reportedly ideal for CCTV cameras, small televisions, smartphones, PDAs, and GPS units. Vishay says that when used in conjunction with Vishay IR receivers such as the TSOP772, the VEML7700’s side-view package offers the same dimensions and optical axis height for simplified window designs. The ambient light sensor’s Filtron technology enables ambient light spectral sensitivity close to that of the human eye.
The sensor’s adoption of Vishay’s O-Trim™ technology gives the device an output tolerance of less than or equal to 10 %. The device offers detection from 0 lx to 167 klx and resolution as low as 0.005 lx/ct, allowing for operation with designs that use dark lenses. The sensor features 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker noise rejection and excellent temperature compensation from -25 °C to +85 °C. The sensor consumes just 2 μA in operating mode and 0.5 μA in shutdown mode. The VEML7700’s supply voltage ranges from 2.5 V to 3.6 V, while its I²C bus voltage ranges from 1.7 V to 3.6 V.
The sensor comes in a lead-free, 4-pin molded package, the device is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green. Vishay has made samples and production quantities of the new ambient light sensor available now, with lead times of eight weeks for large orders. Pricing for U.S. delivery only starts at $2.00 per piece in 3,000-piece quantities.
