Reflective optical sensor uses VCSEL to cut size
The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology has developed a reflective optical sensor for industrial, computer, consumer, and mobility applications using smaller VCSEL lasers.
Using the VCSEL and silicon phototransistor in the same plane cuts the size of the VCNT2030 sensor to 1.85 mm by 1.2 mm by 0.6 mm in an SMD package, reducing the PCB footprint by 40%. The sensor has a sensing distance up to 6mm with a higher current transfer ratio (CTR) of 31 %
The narrow ± 17° emission angle of the VCSEL reduces the internal crosstalk and improves the proximity performance behind cover glass. The analog output signal at the phototransistor is dependent on the amount of light emitted by the VCSEL and reflected off an object in the sensor’s field of view.
The smaller footprint allows the sensor to be used for optical switching in industrial infrastructure, home and building controls, notebook and desktop computers, home appliances, consumer electronics, and metering applications; optical encoding for motor control in e-bikes, golf carts, tractors, and harvesters; and paper presence detection in printers and scanners.
In these applications the 8mA driving current of the VCSEL is enough to achieve the same performance as solutions using 20 mA infrared emitters, lowering the overall power consumption.
The sensor offers a detection range of 0.3 mm to 6 mm, an emitter wavelength of 940 nm, and a typical output current of 2.5 mA, which represents a typical CTR of 31 % under test conditions. This is twice that of previous-generation sensors. The device features a Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) of 3 for reflow soldering according to J-STD-020. It is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.
Samples and production quantities of the VCNT2030 are available now, with lead times of eight to 16 weeks.
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