Vishay Intertechnology’s New Automotive Grade Proximity Sensors Deliver High Resolution Up to 20 µm for Force Sensing

The Optoelectronics Set of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) Today introduced two new fully integrated Automotive Grade proximity sensors with high resolution up to 20 µm for force sensing programs. They each combine a photodiode, amplifier, and ADC circuitry at a 4 mm by 2.36 mm surface-mount bundle with a low 0.75 Millimeter profile. The VCNL3030X01 features an on-board infrared emitter (IRED) whereas the VCNL3036X01 is intended to be used up to three external IREDs, which an onboard driver having an inner logic is provided.

Ideally suited for use in automotive, Customer, smart house, industrial, office, and toy merchandise, the AEC-Q101 qualified apparatus introduced today provide greater resolution compared to previous-generation sensors at a lower price. When used for force sensing applications in steering wheel controllers, laptop smart power switches and multi-force trackpads, and touchpads for IoT devices and kitchen appliances, the VCNL3030X01 and VCNL3036X01 prevent false triggers and even allow consumers to use gloves. Designed to operate with outside IREDs, the VCNL3036X01 provides enhanced flexibility for product design.

The devices support the I²C bus communication Port, while their programmable interrupt function allows designers to define high and low thresholds, which decreases the continuous communication with the microcontroller. Featuring selectable 12-bit and 16-bit outputs, the proximity detectors use intelligent cancellation to eliminate cross-talk, while a smart persistence scheme ensures accurate sensing and faster response time. The VCNL3030X01’s emitter wavelength peaks at 940 nm and has no visible”red-tail.”

The VCNL3030X01 and VCNL3036X01 feature IRED / LED pulse current of 200 mA, a supply voltage Assortment of 2.5 V to 3.6 V, as well as an I²C bus voltage range between 1.8 V to 5.5 V. For force sensing applications, the detectors offer the flexibility to fine-tune the current for short displacements. The apparatus are RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.

Samples and production quantities of the new proximity sensors are available now, with lead times of six to 12 months for large orders.