Proximity and ambient light sensing IC
19 November 2014
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
STMicroelectronics has revealed a highly accurate optical range finding module based on FlightSense Time-of-Flight technology, the same that is used by LG for its G3 smartphone’s laser auto-focus.
FlightSense provides accurate distance sensing by measuring the time for emitted light to reflect back from the target, whereas conventional sensors can only report reflected signal levels and not absolute distance. Compared to conventional infrared sensors, this results in longer measurement ranges that are independent of the target’s reflectivity, at high frame rate and low power.
ST’s VL6180X module combines FlightSense proximity sensing with an ambient light sensor (ALS) and supports basic gesture recognition to simplify the user interface design while also offering enhanced performance. It supports a wide range of creative use cases across multiple markets, including smartphones, tablets and game controllers, while also improving the performance of consumer appliances and industrial products.
The device is offered in a 4,8 x 2,8 x 1,0 mm optical LGA12 package and can accurately measure the distance to objects at up to 100 mm (or even farther, subject to operating conditions). It has an I²C interface for host control and reading ranging or ambient light level results, as well as two programmable GPIO pins that can be configured to implement threshold applications.
Designers can discover the possibilities of ST’s latest proximity sensor module using the VL6180X Explorer evaluation kit. This not only allows them to quickly get started with FlightSense technology, but also supports the development of applications in a real device.
The kit combines a USB-pluggable STM32Nucleo board and VL6180X sensor shield containing the sensor, a 4-digit LED display, and a slider switch to control the ranging and ALS functions. The display shows either the distance to the target or the ambient light level.
For more information contact Arnold Perumal, Avnet Kopp, +27 (0)11 319 8600, [email protected], www.avnet.co.za
Further reading:
High-temperature closed-loop MEMS?accelerometer
RS South Africa
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
This sensor from TDK is a high-temperature MEMS accelerometer with ±14 g input range and a digital interface for measurement while drilling applications.
Read more...
Dual accelerometers on the same die
Altron Arrow
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The LSM6DSV320X is the first mainstream inertial sensor to house a gyroscope alongside two accelerometers, one capable of sensing up to ±16 g and one sensing up to a staggering ±320 g.
Read more...
Dual-range IMU with edge processing
EBV Electrolink
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
ST’s innovative LSM6DSV80X combines two accelerometer structures for 16 g and 80 g full-scale sensing, a gyroscope up 4000 dps, and embedded intelligence in a single component.
Read more...
High-reliability isolation amplifiers
EBV Electrolink
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The VIA series of isolation amplifiers from Vishay are designed to deliver exceptional thermal stability and precise measurement capabilities.
Read more...
Mibbo QT2C Series signal isolators
Conical Technologies
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The Mibbo QT2C Series isolators support a rich combination of input and output signals, working with either current loops or voltage levels.
Read more...
IMU with dual-sensing capability
EBV Electrolink
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
ST’s 6-axis inertial measurement unit integrates a dual accelerometer up to 320g and embedded AI for activity tracking and high-impact sensing.
Read more...
Plural data converter series
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Silanna Semiconductor has announced the launch of Plural, a new generation of data converters for customers eager to find a more available, affordable, high-performance alternative to existing brands.
Read more...
Precision JFET op-amp
Altron Arrow
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The specifications of the ADA4620 make it optimal as a front-end amplifier in a data-acquisition system, or for a TIA circuit with high input impedance.
Read more...
A new era in modular I/O solutions
Rugged Interconnect Technologies
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Aerospace and defence system designers are demanding scalable and high-performance I/O solutions and while traditional mezzanine standards have proven reliable, they often fall short of meeting modern bandwidth, size, and flexibility requirements.
Read more...
High voltage instrument op-amp
iCorp Technologies
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The SGM621B is a high accuracy, high voltage instrumentation amplifier, which is designed to set any gain from 1 to 10 000 with one external resistor.
Read more...
printer friendly version