Sensors for Smartphones detect ambient light, proximity.
July 11, 2011 -
Providing ambient light sensing (ALS) and proximity detection operation in environments over 60,000 lux (sunlight), TSL2x72 Series creates dynamic range of operation necessary for mobile products to adapt to all lighting conditions. Dynamic range is enabled by device's programmable gain modes, including reduced gain mode. Proximity detection features include SNR performance and programmable register, which allows compensation for optical signal crosstalk.
Original Press release
TAOS Inc.
1001 Klien Rd., Suite 300
Plano, TX, 75074
USA
TAOS, Inc. New Ambient Light and Proximity Detection Sensors Deliver Enhanced Technology for Next Generation Smartphones
New Devices Extend Dynamic Range, Allowing Operation in High Brightness (Sunlight) Environments, and Improve Proximity Detection Signal-to-Noise Ratio
(Plano, TX) - Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions®, Inc. (TAOS; www.taosinc.com), the world's leading supplier of digital ambient light sensors to the smartphone, tablet and HDTV markets, today announced its 5th generation sensor family, the TSL2x72 Series, that delivers improved digital ambient light sensing (ALS) and proximity detection technology. The TSL2x72 Series is especially designed to create the widest dynamic range of operation necessary for mobile products to adapt to all lighting conditions.
The TSL2x72 Series includes the following device families:
TSL2572 - Digital Ambient Light Sensing Family
TSL2672 - Proximity Detection Sensing Family
TSL2772 - Integrated Digital Ambient Light and Proximity Detection Sensing Family
The TSL2x72 Series enhances mobile products by providing ALS and proximity detection operation in environments over 60,000 lux (sunlight). The improved dynamic range is enabled by the device's new programmable gain modes, including a reduced gain mode. Proximity detection enhancements consist of increased signal-to-noise performance and a programmable register which allows compensation for optical signal crosstalk. Power management is improved with an automatic power-down mode after interrupt, which provides a 'run-once' capability, and further reduces system power consumption.
The TSL2x72 Series is based on the patented TAOS dual-diode architecture which enables the devices to produce accurate ALS and proximity detection results when operating behind spectrally distorting glass regardless of the lighting sources (e.g. sunlight, fluorescent) and intensity. These combined features enable optimum smartphone ALS and proximity detection implementations which increase energy efficiency, extend battery life and improve the end-user experience.
The TSL2x72 Series of devices are register set, footprint, and pin compatible with the widely-adopted prior generation of TAOS devices, the TSL2x71 Series. This compatibility enables existing TSL2x71 designs to rapidly migrate to the TSL2x72 while minimizing hardware and software design and development efforts. The TSL2x72 Series of devices incorporate an IR LED current-limited driver, analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), interrupt capability, multiple I2C interface voltage options (3.0V or 1.8V) and flexible programming allowing it to be configured into many different applications.
"Mobile device vendors are continually striving to deliver more compelling products with an improved user experience; therefore, they demand ALS and proximity detection solutions capable of operating in a very wide range of lighting conditions" said Jerry Koontz, TAOS, Inc. Director of Marketing. "The ALS and proximity detection technology enhancements provided by these new devices deliver both increased performance and system design flexibility. These new devices extend the TAOS leadership position in delivering technology supporting the global 'green' movement by delivering products which reduce overall system power consumption and thus increase energy conservation."
The TSL2x72 Series is ideally suited for mobile devices but also has applications in HDTVs, computers, and other consumer electronic products. Proximity detection is well-suited for notebook and desktop computers to automatically turn off the display to conserve energy and maintain information privacy when a user is not present. Other emerging applications for proximity sensing technology include touchless display controls for netbooks, tablets, HDTVs, toys, office equipment, industrial controls, and many other products. In addition, the TSL2x72 Series "light-to-digital" sensor family can be used in any general non-display application where a high-sensitivity light sensor is required using an I2C interface.
To accelerate time-to-market and reduce design-in effort, TAOS provides Evaluation Modules (EVMs) and software support for device drivers and/or C-reference code (including support for Android and Chrome OS). Designed for the compact space requirements of mobile products, the devices are packaged in cost-effective 2 x 2 mm Dual Flat No-Lead (FN) package. Samples are available now with production quantities available in Q4 2011. Pricing for the TSL25721FN, TSL26721FN and TSL27721FN is $0.67, $0.70 and $1.07, respectively, in quantities of 1,000. For more information, please contact TAOS, Inc.
About TAOS, Inc. (Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions)
With more than a decade of analog mixed-signal technology innovation and market leadership, Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions (TAOS), Inc. designs and manufacturers digital and analog light-sensing solutions that deliver increased system integration, design flexibility and functionality to a wide range of products in the consumer, computer, industrial, healthcare, life & fitness, solid state lighting and automotive markets. Integrated ambient light sensing and proximity detection solutions enable "Green" displays by reducing system power consumption. An expanding portfolio of programmable analog and digital RGB color sensors provides accurate color discrimination, determination and measurement. More information can be found at http://www.taosinc.com .
Trademarks
Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions is a registered trademark of Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions, Inc. (TAOS) of Plano, Texas.
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