May 4, 2008 From www.tootoo.com
May 4--This MLX75303 is an integrated Sensor Switch, which means that the photodiode, transimpedance amplifier and the Schmitt Trigger voltage output stage are all included in the sensor chip.
Melexis has released the MLX75303 SensorEyeC optical switch This is the first member of the new SensorEyeC series of optical sensors designed for high-volume automotive, industrial and consumer applications This MLX75303 is an integrated sensor IC, which means that the photodiode, transimpedance amplifier and the Schmitt Trigger voltage output stage are all included in the sensor chip.
This guarantees stable light responsivity over time and over temperature and also drastically improves noise behaviour compared to designs that use discrete photodiodes.
It simplifies application design, requires less external components and improves quality.
In everyday environments like cars, production plants and homes, dirt and dust build up on light-sensitive sensors presents performance challenges.
To overcome dirt build-up in light switching functions, brighter LED light can be used to penetrate the dust and dirt.
The Melexis sensor is designed to continue functioning at high-speed (10us typical/20us maximum response time) while being oversaturated by a strong light source up to 1000x the sensor's switch-on threshold level.
"In the coming months, the optical SensorEyeC series will be completed by a light-to-voltage SensorEyeC and a light-to-frequency SensorEyeC", says Sam Maddalena, Business Unit Manager Opto Sensors.
"This development was triggered by our customers with a need for high-quality, low-cost automotive-qualified components".
"We also received numerous requests from nonautomotive customers who are attracted by the low parts per million, high lifetime and temperature independency of the sensor's behaviour".
The MLX75303 can be used in applications with near infra-red light or with ambient light where, for instance, day/night detection is required.
The sensor is designed to maintain its speed, even after exposure to light 1000 times greater than its switching level.
This is accomplished by using increased light levels, so that sufficient light penetrates even after dirt builds up on the sensor.
It has a small DFN open cavity package, measuring 3 x 3 x 0.65mm.
It offfers very high positional accuracy and optical sensors must maintain alignment between the light source and the sensor.
The small, symmetrical DFN package provides pin-to-photodiode accuracy of better than +/-85um.
Additionally, the photodiode area is relatively large (600 x 600um) and tolerant to mechanical misalignment.
Extended operating temperature range of -40 to +125C that meets AEC-Q100 automotive specifications.
Automotive application examples include contactless steering stocks, buttons and position switches, steering angle measurement, day/night detection for headlight control and hand detection systems in door handles.
Office automation applications include paper presence and paper orientation detection in printers, copiers and multifunctional devices.
Consumer applications include object detection, like cup detection in coffee machines, range detection, like staircase detection for robot vacuum cleaners, hand detection for water taps and hand dryers, and twilight detection for window blinds, sun screens and roof windows.
Industrial applications include object detection and infra-red safety screens.
Editor: Haijing Qu
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