The Optoelectronics group of Vishay introduces their high-sensitivity proximity and ambient light sensor with long-distance proximity detection to 1 m. Featuring Filtron™ technology in a compact, 8 mm x 3 mm x 1.8 mm, surface-mount package, Vishay Semiconductor's VCNL4100 combines a high-power IR emitter, photo detectors for proximity and ambient light, a signal processing IC, and an 8-bit / 16-bit ADC. The three-in-one sensor features an interrupt function and supports I²C bus communication interfaces for smart home, industrial, and office applications.

• Offers a five-fold increase in proximity detection over previous-generation devices
• Eliminates the need for additional light barriers and optical alignment of the IR emitter and photo diode
• Small outline saves space and gives design engineers greater flexibility in where and how they locate the sensor
• Ambient light and proximity sensors each offer a programmable interrupt function with high and low thresholds to lower power consumption
• Wide detection range allows the device to operate in applications with dark or high-transparency lens designs