Vishay launches automotive-grade proximity sensors that prevent false triggers

The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology have introduced two new fully integrated, automotive-grade proximity sensors with high resolution (up to 20 µm) for force-sensing applications. They each combine a photodiode, amplifier, and ADC circuitry in a 4 mm by 2.36 mm surface-mount package with a low 0.75 mm profile.

The VCNL3030X01 features an on-board infrared emitter (IRED) and the VCNL3036X01 is designed to be used with up to three external IREDs, with which an onboard driver is provided with internal logic.

Ideally suited for use in automotive, consumer, smart home, industrial, office, and toy products, the AEC-Q101 qualified devices provide a higher resolution compared to previous-generation sensors — and at a lower cost.

When used in force-sensing applications — such as for steering wheel controls, laptop smart-power buttons, multi-force trackpads, and touch-pads for IoT devices or kitchen appliances — the VCNL3030X01 and VCNL3036X01 prevent false triggers and let users wear gloves.

Designed to work with external IREDs, the VCNL3036X01 provides increased flexibility for product design.

The devices support the I²C bus communication interface and their programmable interrupt function allows designers to specify high and low thresholds, which reduces the continuous communication with the microcontroller.

Featuring selectable 12-bit and 16-bit outputs, the proximity sensors use intelligent cancellation to eliminate cross-talk, while a smart persistence scheme ensures accurate sensing and faster response time. The VCNL3030X01’s emitter wavelength peaks at 940 nm and has no visible “red-tail.”

The VCNL3030X01 and VCNL3036X01 feature IRED / LED pulse current of 200 mA, a supply voltage range of 2.5 V to 3.6 V, and an I²C bus voltage range from 1.8 V to 5.5 V. For force sensing applications, the sensors offer the flexibility to fine-tune the current for short displacements.

The devices are RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.

Samples and production quantities of the new proximity sensors are available now, with lead times of six to 12 weeks for large orders.

Vishay manufactures one of the world’s largest portfolios of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components that are essential to innovative designs in the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets.