High sensitivity proximity and ambient light sensor offers increased proximity detection

Vishay Intertechnology has introduced a new high sensitivity proximity and ambient light sensor that combines long distance proximity detection up to 1.5m with Filtron technology in a compact 8mm x 3mm x 1.8mm surface-mount package. The VCNL4200 three in one sensor features a high power IR emitter, photo detectors for proximity and ambient light, a signal processing IC, and a 12-bit / 16-bit ADC, while providing an interrupt function and supporting I²C bus communication interface for smart home, industrial, and office applications. Offering a 50% increase in proximity detection over previous-generation devices, the device provides presence detection for display activation in printers, copiers, and home appliances; collision avoidance in toys and robots; proximity sensing and lighting control in offices, corridors, and public buildings; lavatory appliance activation; and parking space availability in lots and garages. Containing the circuitry needed for these applications in one device, the sensor eliminates the need for additional light barriers and optical alignment of the IR emitter and photo diode. The device's small outline saves space and gives design engineers greater flexibility in where and how they locate the sensor. The device’s built-in ambient light photo diode offers detection from 0.003lx to 1.57klx, allowing the device to operate in applications with dark or high transparency lens designs. The 16-bit sensor offers fluorescent light flicker immunity and excellent temperature compensation from -40C to +85C. The device’s 12-bit proximity sensor uses intelligent cancellation to eliminate cross-talk, while a smart persistence scheme ensures accurate sensing and faster response time. The emitter wavelength peaks at 940nm and has no visible ‘red-tail’.