Avago Technologies announced the launch of a new miniature programmable digital ambient light photo sensor, the APDS-9300. It is a low-voltage ambient light sensor (ALS) designed to provide accurate and wide measurement under diverse lighting conditions.

 

Targeted at consumer, industrial and automotive applications, the product incorporates a digital I2C interface for easy incorporation into customer designs.  

 

The APDS-9300 converts light intensity to digital signal output capable of direct I2C interface. The device consists of two photodiodes, one broadband (visible plus infrared) and other an infrared photodiode. The photodiode current is converted to a digital output through these two integrating ADCs. This digital output is processed into illuminance (ambient light level) in lux by a microprocessor. The illuminance is derived using an empirical formula to approximate the human-eye response.

 

To simplify the integration with other customer digital platforms, a user-programmable interrupt function with user defined upper and lower threshold settings is provided. This, coupled with a  miniature chipLED package measuring just 2.60 x 2.20 x 0.55mm, makes the APDS-9300 ideal for controlling display backlighting in mobile and consumer devices like cell phones, notebooks, LCD monitors, and digital cameras. Residential and commercial lighting management systems, automotive instrumentation clusters, electronic sign and signal applications are other areas where these ALSs can be used.

 

Other features include Programmable Analog Gain and Integration Time, 16-Bit Digital Output with I2C Fast-Mode at 400 kHz, 50/60-Hz Lighting Ripple Rejection, Low 2.5-V Input Voltage and 1.8-V Digital Output, Low Active Power (0.6 mW typical) with Power Down Mode and RoHS Compliant.

 

The APDS-9300 sensor is priced starting at $1.20 in minimum quantities of 2,500. Samples and production quantities are available now through Avago's direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners.

 

Avago is a supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications serving four diverse end markets: industrial and automotive, wired infrastructure, wireless communications, and computer peripherals.