New VEML3328 and VEML3328SL RGBC-IR Color Sensors Offer Better Linearity and Higher Sensitivity

Press Release Summary:

• Features low operating voltage range of 2.6 V to 3.6 V and can sense red, green, blue, clear, and IR light
• Built-in ambient light photodiode that offers high sensitivity, allowing the devices to operate in applications with dark lens designs
• Ideal for applications such as automatic white balancing and color cast correction in digital cameras; automatic LCD backlight adjustment; and active monitoring of LED color output

Original Press Release:

Vishay Intertechnology Launches Integrated RGBC-IR Color Sensors With I²C Interface in Low Profile Packages

New Sensors Feature 16-Bit Resolution for Higher Sensitivity and Linearity

MALVERN, Pa. — Jan. 27, 2020 — Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today broadens its optoelectronics portfolio with new RGBC-IR sensors for applications such as automatic white balancing and color cast correction in digital cameras; automatic LCD backlight adjustment; and active monitoring of LED color output for IoT and smart lighting. The new VEML3328 (top-looking) and VEML3328SL (side-looking) sensors offer better linearity and higher sensitivity compared to previous generation devices, as well as new features including an infrared (IR) channel.

The sensors released today sense red, green, blue, clear, and IR light by incorporating photodiodes, amplifiers, and analog / digital circuits into a single CMOS chip. With the ability to calculate color temperature and sense ambient light, the devices offer a compact solution for adjusting backlighting in consumer electronics and notebook computers. They can also help to differentiate indoor from outdoor lighting environments to ensure that displays maintain consistent true color and ideal brightness levels based on the current environment lighting conditions.

In addition to digital camera and TV applications, the VEML3328 and VEML3328SL will also be used in various industrial and consumer applications where their excellent temperature compensation capability will keep the sensors' output stable under changing temperatures.

The sensors' built-in ambient light photodiode offers extremely high sensitivity, allowing the devices to operate in applications with dark lens designs. A programmable analog gain and integration time function, as well as the additional IR channel, allow designers to tailor the VEML3328 and VEML3328SL to their applications.

The sensors' functions are easily operated via the simple and power-efficient I²C (SMBus compatible) interface protocol. The devices feature a low operating voltage range of 2.6 V to 3.6 V to help prolong battery life in handheld and portable systems.

Device Specification Table:

Part #             Package type             Package dimensions           Peak sensitivity (nm)           Operating voltage range (V)            Output code

                       (L x W x H, mm)

VEML3328       OPLGA                  2.0 x 1.25 x 1.0                       590, 610, 560, 470, 825                 2.6 to 3.6                                16-bit, I²C

                        (top-looking)                                                                (C, R, G, B, IR) 

VEML3328SL       OPLGA              2.95 x 1.50 x 1.50                  590, 610, 560, 470, 825                  2.6 to 3.6                                16-bit, I²C

                        (side-looking)                                                                (C, R, G, B, IR)

Samples and production quantities of the VEML3328 and VEML3328SL are available now, with lead times of 16 weeks for larger orders. Pricing for U.S. delivery is $1 per piece in 1000-piece quantities.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., a Fortune 1000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH), is one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, MOSFETs, and infrared optoelectronics) and passive electronic components (resistors, inductors, and capacitors). These components are used in virtually all types of electronic devices and equipment, in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, power supplies, and medical markets. Vishay's product innovations, successful acquisition strategy, and "one-stop shop" service have made it a global industry leader. Vishay can be found on the Internet at www.vishay.com.

Editorial Contact:
Bob Decker 
Redpines 
Telephone: 1 415 409 0233
Email: bob.decker@redpinesgroup.com

Download Spec Sheet