Hybrid Sensor

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors (Sunnyvale, CA) has released a “3 in 1” SFH 7773 digital sensor that combines an IR LED emitter and detector chips together, eliminating the need to install a separate IR emitter to enable the proximity sensor function. Apertures are integrated into the package to reduce crosstalk. The SFH 7773 detects objects up to a distance of 15cm (5.9 in.) while simultaneously measuring the intensity of the ambient light. Its power consumption is a maximum of 5μA in standby mode and 300μA in operational mode. The integration time of the detector and, thus, the detection range of the proximity sensor, can be selected via the I2C interface. The 5.3mm x 2.5mm x 1.2mm sensor can also be adjusted to the transparency of the smart phone cover. A variety of sensitivity levels is available, ranging from 3 to approximately 65.500 lux and 0.03 to 655 lux.