Summary of VISHAY’S NEW AUTOMOTIVE GRADE PROXIMITY SENSORS DELIVER HIGH RESOLUTION UP TO 20 ΜM FOR FORCE SENSING
Vishay Intertechnology introduced two new Automotive Grade proximity sensors, the VCNL3030X01 and VCNL3036X01. These devices offer 20 µm resolution for force sensing in automotive and consumer electronics. They integrate a photodiode, amplifier, and ADC into a compact package. The VCNL3030X01 includes an internal infrared emitter, while the VCNL3036X01 supports up to three external emitters. Both feature I²C communication, programmable interrupts, and intelligent cross-talk cancellation.
Parts used in the Proximity Sensor Project:
- Photodiode
- Amplifier
- ADC circuitry
- Infrared emitter (IRED)
- I²C bus communication interface
- Programmable interrupt function
- Microcontroller
- External IREDs (for VCNL3036X01)
The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. today 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) while the VCNL3036X01 is designed to be used with up to three external IREDs, for which an onboard driver with internal logic is provided.
Ideally suited for use in automotive, consumer, smart home, industrial, office, and toy products, the AEC-Q101 qualified devices released today provide higher resolution compared to previous-generation sensors at a lower cost. When used for force sensing applications in steering wheel controls, laptop smart power buttons and multi-force trackpads, and touchpads for IoT devices and kitchen appliances, the VCNL3030X01 and VCNL3036X01 prevent false triggers and even allow users to wear gloves. Designed to work with external IREDs, the VCNL3036X01 provides increased flexibility for product design.
How It Works
The devices support the I²C bus communication interface, while 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.”
- What are the key features of the new Vishay proximity sensors?
The sensors combine a photodiode, amplifier, and ADC circuitry in a 4 mm by 2.36 mm package with high resolution up to 20 µm. - How does the VCNL3030X01 differ from the VCNL3036X01?
The VCNL3030X01 has an onboard infrared emitter, while the VCNL3036X01 is designed for up to three external IREDs. - Can these sensors be used with gloves?
Yes, the devices prevent false triggers and allow users to wear gloves during force sensing applications. - What communication interface do these devices support?
The devices support the I²C bus communication interface. - Does the VCNL3030X01 emit visible light?
No, the emitter wavelength peaks at 940 nm and has no visible red-tail. - How do the sensors reduce continuous communication with the microcontroller?
Their programmable interrupt function allows designers to specify high and low thresholds. - What output resolutions are selectable on these sensors?
The sensors feature selectable 12-bit and 16-bit outputs. - Are these sensors qualified for automotive use?
Yes, they are AEC-Q101 qualified devices suitable for automotive applications.
