Vishay introduces a new proximity sensor with an ultra-small size and power consumption of only 6 µA

     Vishay Intertechnology has introduced two new fully integrated proximity sensors - the VCNL36821S and VCNL36826S - to improve efficiency and performance in consumer and industrial applications. Vishay Semiconductors VCNL36821S and VCNL36826S are 2.55mm x 2.05mm x 1.0, respectively An infrared (IR) transmitter, vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), photodiode, signal processing IC and 12-bit ADC are integrated in the mm small surface mount package.

     Compared to the previous generation of devices, the proximity sensor announced today is small and low-cost, and is suitable for battery-powered applications with limited space, such as detecting whether a user is wearing a headset or virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) headset. The device has a detection range of 300 mm and has collision detection capabilities for toys as well as consumer and industrial robots. The VCNL36821S and VCNL36826S consume as little as 6 µA, helping to improve the efficiency of these applications.

     The device supports an I2C bus communication interface for easy access to proximity signals, and a programmable interrupt function allows designers to set upper and lower interrupt thresholds, reducing continuous communication with the microcontroller. Proximity sensors use intelligent cancellation technology to eliminate crosstalk, and intelligent continuous design ensures accurate detection and faster response. The peak wavelength of the IRED and VCSEL is 940 nm, and no "red tail" can be seen.

     The VCNL36821S and VCNL36826S offer excellent temperature compensation in the -40 C to +85 C temperature range, a moisture sensitivity rating (MSL) of J-STD-020 standard Level 3, and a workshop storage life of 168 hours. Sensors comply with RoHS and Vishay green standards and are halogen-free.