Vishay Short Distance Proximity Sensor Offers Idle Current Down to 5 μA and 14-Bit Resolution in Compact Package

The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. introduced a new fully integrated short distance proximity sensor designed to increase efficiency, design flexibility, and performance in consumer applications. Featuring a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), the Vishay Semiconductors VCNL36829UM combines a photodiode, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), 16-bit ADC, and smart dual I2C slave address in a compact 1.6 mm x 1.0 mm x 0.35 mm transparent mold package with an isolation wall design.

Compared to previous-generation solutions, the proximity sensor released today offers a 44 % smaller volume, higher proximity resolution of 14 bits, and stronger sunlight immunity up to 200 klx. Combined with a range of 50 mm, low idle current of 5 μA, and a typical rated supply voltage of 1.8 V, the VCNL36829UM delivers superior proximity detection while reducing power consumption to increase efficiency in space-constrained, battery-powered applications.

The sensor is designed to detect if users are wearing or not wearing smart wearable devices, including true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones, virtual reality / augmented reality (VR / AR) headsets, and smart glasses. It is also suitable for touchless dispensing and lid-off detection in consumer appliances. To lower costs in these applications, the device’s smart dual I²C slave address allows for the connection of two proximity sensors without the need for a multiplexer (more info).

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