Ambient Light Sensor ICs are designed for LCD Display .
Press Release Summary:
Featuring trimming process and utilizing multiple photodiodes with variable junction depths, ROHM ALS Series of ICs provide accurate output with small variation between various light sources. BH16xx analog series offer linear current output proportional to luminous intensity ranging from 0-100,000 lx, whereas BH17xx series of digital devices have 16-bit analog-to-digital converter to produce 1 lx resolution over range of 0-65,000 lx. Series comes in RoHS-compliant halogen-free package.
Original Press Release:
ROHM Announces Ambient Light Sensor ICs for LCD Display Backlighting
Series includes high-efficiency analog and digital devices offering industry-leading stability over a wide range of light sources; precise light-sensing accuracy, proprietary gain and shutdown functionality, and wide illuminance measurement range.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - March 31, 2009 - ROHM Semiconductor today announces a new family of analog and digital Ambient Light Sensor (ALS) ICs for the efficient control of LED backlighting for LCD-equipped devices. Featuring ROHM's proprietary trimming process and use of multiple photodiodes with different junction depths, the ALS ICs provide an accurate output with little variation between various light sources. The spectral response of ROHM ALS ICs has been tailored to closely match that of the human eye for accurate light measurement. These features combine to provide uniform visibility for LCDs over a wide range of ambient light levels and sources - from incandescent or fluorescent light to full sunlight.
Key advantages of the ROHM ALS Series include:
o Higher light-sensing accuracy (±15% compared to competitive devices that range from ±30% to ±55%)
o More stable ambient light detection (±10% maximum difference regardless of light source, compared to competitive products with up to 4:1 variations)
o Wide operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C)
o Wide light detection range (up to 100,000 lux)
o Small, surface-mount packaging
o RoHS-compliant and halogen-free package
The ROHM ALS IC family includes the BH16xx (analog) / BH17xx (digital) series. BH16xx analog series devices provide a linear current output proportional to luminous intensity ranging from 0 to 100,000 lux. These units feature ROHM's unique three-level gain selection providing exceptional design flexibility in matching power consumption to the specific application requirements.
The BH17xx series of digital devices integrate a 16-bit analog-to-digital converter that produces 1 lx resolution over a range of 0 to 65,000 lx. The devices' I2C output is designed for direct connection to a microcontroller or baseband processor. Two measurement resolution levels are provided allowing design trade-offs between sampling time and performance. For example, with high-resolution sampling, optical noise such as fluorescent lamp flicker can be filtered out. Low resolution provides a shorter sampling time for applications such as GPS systems where the light level changes are dynamic.
Steve Chutka, Field Applications Engineer at ROHM, said: "Adjusting the LED backlight intensity to compensate for varying light levels can save 50% or more of the total power required to operate many LCD-equipped devices. The ROHM family of analog and digital ALS ICs offers an exceptional range of performance capabilities for the full gamut of LED backlighting applications."
ROHM's analog and digital ALS ICs are available in either the ultra-small WSOF5 surface-mount package (1.6x1.6x0.55 mm) or the slightly larger WSOF6 surface-mount package (3.0x1.6x0.7 mm).
More information about the ROHM series of analog and digital ambient light sensors can be found at http://www.rohmsemiconductor.com/ALS.html.
Price: US$ 0.58-1.50 (Small OEM Quantities)
Availability: Samples Now
Delivery: 12 weeks ARO
About ROHM Semiconductor:
ROHM Semiconductor is the industry leader in system LSI, discrete components and module products, utilizing the latest in semiconductor technology. ROHM's proprietary production system, which includes some of the most advanced automation technology, is a major factor in keeping it at the forefront of the electronic component manufacturing industry. In addition to its development of electronic components, ROHM has also developed its own production system so that it can focus on specific aspects of customized product development. ROHM employs highly skilled engineers with expertise in all aspects of design, development and production. This allows ROHM the flexibility to take on a wide range of applications and projects and the capability to serve valuable clients in the automotive, telecommunication and computer sectors as well as consumer OEMs.
Contact
ROHM Semiconductor
Steve Chutka,
Field Application Engineer
10145 Pacific Heights Blvd. Suite 1000
San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: 847-368-1006 x104
Email: schutka@rohmsemiconductor.com
