Vishay introduces new fully integrated automotive-grade proximity sensors

     Vishay Intertechnology has introduced two new fully integrated automotion-grade proximity sensors with resolutions up to 20 µm for a wide range of pressure sensing applications - the VCNL3030X01 and the VCNL3036X01. Both sensors integrate the photodiode, amplifier and ADC circuitry in a 4 mm x 2.36 mm surface-mount package with a thickness of just 0.75 mm. The VCNL3030X01 uses an onboard infrared emitter (IRED); The VCNL3036X01 can be configured with up to three external IRED with onboard drivers containing internal logic circuits.

     The device is AEC-Q101 certified for use in automotive, consumer electronics, smart home, industrial, office and toy products, providing improved resolution and reduced cost compared to previous generations of sensors. For use in pressure sensing applications such as vehicle steering control, smart power buttons and multi-touch pads for laptops, and touchpads for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and kitchen appliances, the VCNL3030X01 and VCNL3036X01 prevent false triggers and even allow users to wear gloves. The VCNL3036X01 features an external IRED for increased flexibility in product design.

     The device supports an I²C bus communication interface, and programmable interrupts allow designers to set high and low thresholds to reduce continuous communication with the microcontroller. With a choice of 12 - and 16-bit outputs, the new proximity sensor uses intelligent cancellation technology to eliminate crosstalk, while the intelligent continuous design ensures accurate perception and faster response. The VCNL3030X01 transmitter has a peak wavelength of 940 nm with no visible "red tail".

     The VCNL3030X01 and VCNL3036X01 sensor IRED/LED pulse current is 200 mA, supply voltage is 2.5V to 3.6V, I²C bus voltage is 1.8V to 5.5V. When used for pressure sensing applications, the sensor provides the flexibility to fine-tune short distance displacement currents. Devices comply with RoHS and Vishay green standards and are halogen-free.