New multifunctional photo IC sensor for smartphones and more

Hamamatsu Photonics has developed a new multifunctional photo IC. The P12347-01CT integrates a colour sensor, proximity sensor and a three-colour (RGB) LED onto a single flip-chip package. The sensor is designed as a small, inexpensive and versatile device for use in smartphones and other such devices. The P12347-01CT can be used to adjust the display image quality, perform touchscreen on/off control, indicate incoming calls and also functions as an illuminance sensor; this feature enables image quality to be adjusted in fine detail. The proximity sensor also detects when a face draws near and automatically turns off the touchscreen function and LCD backlight. The small package size of only 5.5mm x 1.7mm x 1mm enables the P12347-01CT to be incorporated into small electronic devices like smartphones and only requires a small supply voltage for operation, leading to very low current consumption, says the company.