ST introduces digital UV sensors for mobile phones, wearables and iot products

     STMicroelectronics further expands its portfolio of environmental sensors with the introduction of the UVIS25, the world's first sensor with direct digital output of Ultraviolet Index (UVI). The UV Index is an international measurement standard for measuring the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a specified time and place.

     Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light can cause temporary dark spots in the body and may even lead to more serious conditions. The UV index is compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The World Meteorological Organization (WMEO) developed, implemented and issued the prevention standards of ultraviolet radiation from sunlight in the mid-1990s, aiming to guide people to take correct sunscreen measures to prevent the harm of ultraviolet radiation to human health.

     The UVIS25 is a very small UV digital sensor targeted at all UV sensing markets, including wearables, smartphones, tablets and weather station equipment. Thanks to ST's patented technology, the new product is capable of sensing ultraviolet light at wavelengths of 200-400nm, including UV-A (at wavelengths of 315-400nm) and UV-B (at wavelengths of 280-315nm), which are the most harmful to human health. With UV sensing and the ability to calculate the UV Index (UVI) directly in-house, the UVIS25 is the only UV sensor on the market that does not require external processing algorithms or calibration of data on the customer's production line.

     Francesco Italia, General Manager of ST's High-end Sensors and Analog Products Division, said: "As the ozone layer thinns, the intensity of ultraviolet radiation received by the Earth is increasing [1]. "This new UV sensor is proof that ST can help device manufacturers develop new products and applications that help people better understand the benefits and potential harms of sunlight, enjoy it in moderation, and lead healthier lives."

     The main technical features of the UVIS25 sensor include: 0-15 UVI output range with 1/16 resolution; SPI and I2C interface; 1.7-3.6V power supply voltage; The UVI value is updated every second. The new product comes in a 2.5x2.5x0.76mm LGA-10L transparent plastic package.