Ams launches optical sensors under OLED screens for smartphones

     Ams introduces the industry's first optical sensor, the TMD3719, that integrates ambient light sensing, proximity detection and light source flicker detection in a single module and is placed optimally under the OLED screen of a smartphone.

     As a leading sensor supplier in the field of optical sensors for the mobile phone industry for more than a decade, AMS has developed the TMD3719 with its technological innovation and expertise in optical sensor design. This is the first device to overcome major technical challenges such as ambient light sensing, proximity sensing and light source flicker detection under OLED screens, enabling breakthrough mobile phone industrial design.

     The TMD3719 provides a complete "under OLED screen" (BOLED) optical sensing solution that enables smartphone manufacturers to move sensors normally placed inside the bezel behind the OLED screen, thus satisfying consumers' desire for no bezel. In this way, consumers can have an extended screen that covers the entire front of the smartphone.

     The TMD3719 is the first module suitable for BOLED applications, and Oems can use its integrated capabilities to provide critical consumer functionality. This includes automatic display brightness control based on the lighting environment, proximity monitoring for the touch screen to automatically turn off during a call, and light source flicker detection for the camera to eliminate ripple and other artifacts when capturing images under artificial light conditions.

     Darrell Benke, strategic program director, AMS Integrated Optical Sensors Business Line, said: "By using AMS 'advanced technology, ambient light sensing and proximity monitoring can be moved from the traditional interior of the bezel to the challenging BOLED screen, where both visible and infrared light transmission is well below 5%. Thanks to product innovations such as AMS 'TMD3719, smartphone manufacturers have been able to make high screen ratios a common feature option. To meet the needs of smartphone manufacturers and their customers, AMS is implementing a multi-generation BOLED roadmap that will expand over the coming years."