Automotive-qualified reflective optical sensor saves space
The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology has introduced an AEC-Q101 qualified reflective optical sensor for automotive, smart home, industrial, and office applications.
It has a lower profile than previous generation devices while delivering a higher current transfer ratio (CTR) and operating temperature. The Vishay Semiconductors VCNT2025X01 combines an infra red emitter, silicon phototransistor detector and daylight blocking filter in a miniature 2.5 x 2.0 x 0.6mm surface mount package.
The compact construction integrates the emitting light source and detector, arranged in the same plane. The sensor’s analogue 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. A built-in daylight blocking filter suppresses ambient light, thereby increasing the signal to noise ratio. The device’s robust FAM package reduces crosstalk and features wettable flanks to enable optical inspection of the solder joints.
The VCNT2025X01’s 0.6mm profile is 0.2mm lower than earlier devices, to save space in 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. For these applications, the device provides high temperature operation to +110 degrees C, compared to +80 degreesC for the closest competing device, said Vishay.
The sensor offers a detection range of 0.3 to 4.5mm, an emitter wavelength of 940nm and a typical output current of 6.6mA, which represents a typical CTR of 33 per cent under test conditions. This value is 24 per cent higher than previous generation devices and 23 per cent higher than the closest competing sensor, confirmed Vishay. The device features a moisture sensitivity level (MSL) of 3 for reflow soldering according to J-STD-020. It is RoHS-compliant and halogen-free.
Samples and production quantities of the VCNT2025X01 are available now, with lead times of eight to 12 weeks for large orders.
