Ultra-thin ambient light sensor measures intensity of visible light the same as the human eye

The OPT3007, from Texas Instruments, is a single-chip lux meter, measuring the intensity of visible light as seen by the human eye. The device is available in an ultra-small PicoStar package, so the device fits into tiny spaces. It has a fixed addressing scheme which enables the device to operate with only four pins connected. This enables the PCB designer to create a bigger opening to the active sensor area. The precision spectral response of the sensor tightly matches the photopic response of the human eye. With strong IR rejection, the device measures the intensity of light as seen by the human eye, regardless of the light source. The IR rejection also aids in maintaining high accuracy when design requires mounting the sensor under dark glass. The device, often in conjunction with backlight ICs or lighting control systems, creates light-based experiences for humans, and is a replacement for photodiodes, photoresistors, or lower-performing ambient light sensors. Measurements can be made from 0.01 lux up to 83k lux without manually selecting full-scale ranges by using the built-in, full-scale setting feature. This capability allows light measurement over a 23-bit effective dynamic range. The digital operation is flexible for system integration. Measurements can be either continuous or single-shot. The digital output is reported over an I2C and SMBus-compatible, two-wire serial interface.