Date: 04/10/2012

Ambient light and proximity sensors introduced by Fairchild for mobile devices

A majority of mobile devices, appliances and other portable machines have vibrant LCD displays. However, some of the challenges users may experience with these devices is the display may be hard to see in very bright light, or it may be overpowering in dark environments, all while consuming too much power. Mobile and portable designers are faced with designing devices that can be viewed comfortably independent of ambient lighting conditions and that maximize battery life.

To address these complex needs, Fairchild Semiconductor has introduced a series of ambient light sensors (ALS) and proximity sensors (PS). Ambient light sensors permit real-time brightness control in response to ambient lighting, while proximity sensors can be utilized to turn backlighting on and off based on user interactions, usage models and power conservation requirements.

The FLD000xx family consists of digital ALS devices, including the FLD00042 providing pure ALS functionality; the FLD00050 ALS with PS in 2-in-1, adding the proximity sensing function as well as a driver for external IRLEDs; and the FLD00060 ALS with PS in 3-in-1 where the IRLED is included.

Features:
1. Devices provide both low power consumption and high resolution
2. Integrated I2C interface simplifies design and product application customization by enabling the device to set functional parameters and easily communicate readings to the controller
3. Temperature range: -25 Deg C to 85 Deg C
4. SMD package of 3.94 x 2.36 x 1.36 mm

For more information:
http://www.fairchildsemi.com/pf/FL/FLD00042.html
http://www.fairchildsemi.com/pf/FL/FLD00050.html
http://www.fairchildsemi.com/pf/FL/FLD00060.html

Source: Fairchild Semiconductor