Vishay Intertechnology’s VCNL36687S proximity sensor integrates a high-power vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), photodiode, signal processing IC, and a 12-bit ADC in a single package. The sensor finds employment in smartphones, tablets, virtual reality and augmented reality (VR & AR) headsets, and other battery-operated devices.
With a wide range up to 20 cm (7.9 inches), the device features a miniature, surface-mount 3.05 mm x 2 mm leadless package (LLP) with a profile of 1 mm. Applications for the VCNL36687S include minimizing accidental touch inputs on a smartphone that can lead to call drops and camera launch or detecting when a user is wearing or not wearing a VR / AR headset.
Compared to previous generation devices, the VCNL36687S requires less energy to carry out the same functionality. With a 20-mA pulse current, the sensor can detect a Kodak Gray Card at 20 cm, where previous VCNL series devices required 200 mA of current. Samples and production quantities are available now, with lead times of 8 to 12 weeks. For deeper learning, peruse the VCNL36687S datasheet.