Proximity sensors are claimed most sensitive, power efficient

Proximity sensors are claimed most sensitive, power efficient

The Si114x infrared (IR) and ambient-light sensors are claimed to be the industry’s most power-efficient (less than 1 mA system power), most sensitive, and longest-range (50-cm sensing range) proximity sensors of their kind. Available in tiny 2 x 2 x 0.75-mm 10-pin QFN packages, the Si114x sensors enable sophisticated proximity sensing and touchless interfaces for handsets, eReaders, tablets, personal media players, toys, and many other products.

The robust IR sensing architecture operates in direct sunlight and includes an ambient-light sensor capable of sensing light levels up to 128 kilolux. In addition, the Si114x family’s advanced architecture enables proximity measurements in only 25 µs, minimizing the on-time of power-hungry infrared LEDs and resulting in the industry’s lowest system power consumption — up to 20 times lower than competitive solutions. Power down current is less than 20 nA and standby current is 500 nA.

The family includes sensor options with up to three infrared LED drivers, giving developers the freedom to implement one-dimensional HI systems with a detection range of more than 50 cm or multidimensional systems capable of gesture sensing with ranges of up to 15 cm.

The sensors are supported by the QuickSense Studio, an easy-to-use software environment that enables developers to program, debug, and analyze proximity, ambient-light, and capacitive-touch sense applications. Complete evaluation and development kits, including the IrSLIDER2EK evaluation kit for Si1142-based touchless sliders and the Si1140DK development kit for Si1143 3-LED evaluation. (Ea/10,000: From $1.22 for single-LED to $1.98 for multiple-LED implementations; IrSlider2EK, $49.99; Si1140DK, $59.99 — available now.)

By Christina Nickolas

Silicon Laboratories , Austin , TX
Information 512-416-8500
www.silabs.com