Ieper, Belgium -- Melexis announces the MLX75304, a new SensorEyeC series light sensor designed for dimming LCD displays. Typical applications include dimming mobile phone and notebook screens. In automotive applications, the MLX75304 Light-to-Frequency SensorEyeC is effective for instrument panel dimming and headlight control.
The MLX75304 enables excellent screen readability under all circumstances. Under extremely low-light conditions, the device will adjust the display brightness for perfect reading comfort. During bright-light conditions, the sensor will maximize screen lighting, producing the best possible visibility. The sensor's broad dynamic range, in excess of 100 dB, makes it appropriate for all light situations.
This sensor is a monolithic integrated sensor, where photodiode, transimpedance amplifier, and output stage are integrated on one chip to minimize manufacturing cost. In addition, this approach produces a highly linear response and a low-temperature dependency.
A second cost-saving benefit results from the inclusion of a frequency output, which ensures high-precision control under all lighting conditions while simultaneously simplifying the sensor interface. In fact, to obtain a precise readout of the ambient light level, the only requirement is a digital input to either a small microcontroller or counter. Because of its 3 mm by 3mm SMD package and its 260°C solder reflow compatibility, the sensor is perfectly fit for high-volume PCB assembly lines.
"Melexis is known for its Hall sensor portfolio, rather than for its optical sensors," says Sam Maddalena, Business Unit Manager for Opto Sensors. "With the successful launch of 3 SensorEyeC products, more customers appreciate our optical know-how and unique sensor packaging, which make these products perfectly suited for high-volume assembly lines." Maddalena continues, "On the application side, we are listening carefully to our customers' exact needs and continue to grow our optical portfolio in response."
The MLX75304 is sampling at a price of $0.50 in OEM quantities. The MLX75304 datasheet and brochure are available online.
About Melexis
Melexis N.V. is a supplier of smart mixed-signal semiconductors. Our core experience derived from more than ten years supplying ICs to the automotive electronics market sustains the expansion into application-specific standard products for industrial and consumer-product applications. Melexis' products include sensor ICs (e.g., Hall-effect, optical, infrared, and micro-electromechanical systems, communication ICs (low-power RF, RFID, and Automotive BUS), actuator ICs (for electric motors, solenoids, and LEDs), and application-specific integrated circuits.