Evaluation Module is suited for light-to-frequency converters.

Press Release Summary:



Supporting TSL230RD, TSL235R, TSL237S, TSL237T, TSL238D, and TSL245R light-to-frequency converters, Light-to-Frequency Evaluation Module (LTFEVM) includes motherboard with Parallax BASIC Stamp microcontroller, 2 microcontrollers operating as coprocessors, and 6 hot-swappable daughterboards. Unit features Windows-based application software that provides frequency and period measurement, LED brightness control, and strip-chart recorder. USB-powered EVM requires no external power supply.



Original Press Release:



TAOS, Inc. Announces Evaluation Module for Its Complete Line of Light-to-Frequency Converters



TAOS Light-to-Frequency Converter Evaluation Module Enables Hands-On Assessment of Advantages, Trade-Offs of Each Device in Product Family with a Single Tool

PLANO, Texas, Nov. 27 /-- Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions®, Inc. (TAOS) announced today that its complete line of light-to- frequency converters can now be evaluated with a single evaluation tool. The new Light-to-Frequency Evaluation Module (LTFEVM) supports the following TAOS light-to-frequency converters: the TSL230RD, TSL235R, TSL237S, TSL237T, TSL238D, and TSL245R. Each of the six light-to-frequency devices has its own daughterboard that can be installed in either of the two daughterboard sockets on the EVM motherboard. Additionally, each of the six daughterboards has its own application software that is automatically initiated when the daughterboard is installed onto the motherboard. The motherboard can accommodate any two of the daughterboards at the same time. The PC host application will recognize which daughterboards are installed and invoke the appropriate software inside the main application window.

All members of the TAOS light-to-frequency sensor family convert light intensity into a digital format that provides a direct interface to a microcontroller or digital signal processor. The light-to-frequency converter performs the functions of light sensing, signal conditioning and analog-to- digital conversion all in a single package. Significant advantages of these light-to-frequency converters are their wide dynamic range of up to 160 dB and their extremely low dark signal offset. This allows accurate light intensity measurement of levels ranging from dim moonlight to bright sunlight with a single device.

"Each of the devices in the light-to-frequency converter family provides a unique set of features and advantages," said Ray King, TAOS, Inc. Market Specialist. "The LTFEVM provides a single tool that enables a designer to try out different devices and configurations, balance the trade-offs, and thereby determine exactly which device in the family is best for a specific application."

TAOS light-to-frequency converters are designed for applications such as ambient light measurement, measuring light absorption/reflection in products such as white goods, photographic equipment, colorimetry, chemical analyzers and display contrast controls or any system requiring a wide dynamic range and/or high resolution digital measurement of light intensity.

The LTFEVM consists of a motherboard with a Parallax BASIC Stamp microcontroller plus two microcontrollers operating as coprocessors, and a set of six daughterboards featuring the light-to-frequency converter devices in a variety of different sensing configurations. The daughterboards are hot- swappable for quick comparison of sensor characteristics. Five (5) of the six (6) daughterboards also include PWM-controlled LEDs to allow simulation of either a reflective or a transmissive light sensing application. The TSL235R and TSL237S daughter boards include red LEDs for simulating a transmissive light sensing application. The TSL237T, TSL245R, and TSL238D include infrared LEDs for simulating reflective light sensing applications.

The LTFEVM interfaces with a host PC via USB port. The Windows-based application software features frequency and period measurement, LED brightness control and a strip-chart recorder. The LTFEVM is supplied with a USB cable and a CDROM containing the application software, USB drivers and documentation. The USB-powered EVM gets its user up and running quickly because it is user-friendly and requires no external power supply.

The LTFEVM has a suggested retail price of $125 and is available from TAOS, Inc. and its authorized distributors. For more information, visit http://taosinc.com/development.asp?cateid=2&toolid=19.

About TAOS, Inc. (Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions)

Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions (TAOS), Inc. is based in Plano, Texas. Established in 1998, the company develops, manufacturers and markets leadership integrated optoelectronic products. These devices combine precision mixed-signal functionality and photo-detectors on the same integrated circuit to produce advanced products with performance and cost advantages over conventional solutions. TAOS optoelectronic products include:

o Light-to-Digital Converters (TSL2550, TSL2560, TSL2561, TSL2562,
TSL2563)
o Light-to Frequency Converters (TSL230R, TSL230RD, TSL235R, TSL237,
TSL237T, TSL238, TSL238T, TSL245R)
o Light-to-Voltage Converters (TSL12, TSL12T, TSL13, TSL13T, TSL14,
TSL250R, TSL250RD, TSL251R, TSL251RD, TSL252R, TSL253R, TSL254R,
TSL257, TSL257T, TSL260R, TSL260RD, TSL261R, TSL261RD, TSL262R,
TSL267)
o CMOS Linear Sensor Arrays (TSL201R-LF, TSL202R, TSL208R, TSL210,
TSL1401R-LF, TSL1401CS-LF, TSL1402R, TSL1406R, TSLl410R, TSL1412S,
TSL2014, TSL3301-LF)
o Custom and Semi-Custom Optoelectronic Devices and Assemblies

More information can be found at www.taosinc.com/ or by phone at 972-673-0759.

Source: Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions, Inc.

CONTACT: Ray King, TAOS, Inc., +1-972-673-0759, rking@taosinc.com

Web site: www.taosinc.com/

All Topics