Reflective optical sensor shrinks size

The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has introduced a new reflective optical sensor with a lower profile than previous generation devices. The Vishay Semiconductors VCNT2025X01 also delivers improved performance with a higher current transfer ratio (CTR) and operating temperature.

(Source: Vishay Intertechnology)

Targeting automotive, smart home, industrial, and office applications, the VCNT2025X01 combines an infrared emitter, silicon phototransistor detector, and daylight blocking filter. The miniature 2.5 × 2.0 × 0.6 mm surface-mount package enables use in applications such as optical switching in automotive electronic systems, office equipment, and home appliances; optical encoding in industrial automation systems; and paper presence detection in printers and copy machines.

The construction of the AEC-Q101-qualified reflective optical sensor features the emitting light source and detector arranged in the same plane. The sensor’s analog output signal at the phototransistor is dependent on the amount of light emitted by the IR LED and reflected off an object in the sensor’s field of view, said Vishay. A built-in daylight blocking filter is said to significantly suppress ‘disturbing’ ambient light, which increases the signal-to-noise ratio.

The sensor offers a detection range of 0.3 mm to 4.5 mm, an emitter wavelength of 940 nm, and a typical output current of 6.6 mA, which represents a typical CTR of 33% under test conditions. It also is 24% higher than previous-generation solutions and 23% higher than the closest competing sensor, according to Vishay. In addition, the device provides high temperature operation to 110°C, compared to 80°C for the closest competing device. The operating temperature range is -40°C to 110°C.

The optical sensor’s FAM package reduces crosstalk and features wettable flanks to enable optical inspection of the solder joints. The device features a moisture sensitivity level (MSL) of 3 for reflow soldering according to J-STD-020. It is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.

Samples and production quantities are available now, with lead times of eight to 12 weeks for large orders. Pricing for U.S. delivery starts at $0.30 each in quantities of 10,000.