Nov 23 2010
Osram has launched its new Digital SFH 7770 sensor, merging both proximity and ambient light sensors, which were otherwise available only individually. With dimensions of 2.8 x 2.8 x 0.9 mm, this sensor, giving a superior performance, utilizes only 5 µA in stand-by mode, and 350 µA when working.
Osram
For detecting nearby objects, and also identifying if the objects are coming towards or moving away from it, the proximity sensor utilizes the reflections of a light emitted by a separate IR LED. It has high sensitivity properties, ranging from 1 µW/cm² to 10 µW/cm², which helps in long distance operations of up to 30 cm. The sensor’s digital output permits high speed I²C bus equal to 3.4 MHz. For display brightness to be tailored accurately to the ambient light settings, the ambient light sensor, while measuring brightness gives a value ranging between 3 and 65,000 lux. This ensures an easy to read display and also boosts the time period between battery recharges. The sensor remains unaffected by fluctuations in the brightness up to 60 Hz of the ambient light delivered by fluorescent lamps.
This dual capacity sensor provides manufacturers of cell phones a lot of autonomy and freedom while designing the cell phones. Just one component alone could be used for different functions contingent on the phone, while the number of manufacturing processes or the board design remains unaltered in all situations. If two more IR LEDs are used, the sensor would be able to detect gesticulations. The obligatory hardware drivers are already integrated in the system. These IR LEDs would pass on light signals at a particular frequency. The SFH 7770 would quantify the reflections to observe both vertical and horizontal movements. Detection of gestures from these small parts allows contact less control of the applications, such as small smart phones and cell phones. The consumers could glance or flip through photographs in them, without even a single touch. They could also render inoperative an integrated touchpad, to avert the accidental or inadvertent operation of an application.
Source: http://www.osram-os.com