Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

New Digital Sensor from OSRAM

By Patrick Curran | December 16, 2010

Share

The SFH 7770 from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors combines the functions of a digital ambient light sensor with those of a digital proximity sensor. It determines the ambient brightness, detects the presence of an object nearby and can even tell whether the object is moving closer or moving further away. It means that applications in cell phones and smart phones, for example, can be controlled without touching the phone. Apps open like magic, and the brightness and volume are adjusted at precisely the right moment.

SFH-7770-OSRAM-Opto-Semiconductors

The digital SFH 7770 sensor replaces the usual separate ambient light and proximity sensors and takes up very little space, measuring just 2.8 x 2.8 x 0.9 mm. At the same time, by combining the two functions, it offers added performance and consumes only 350 µA during operation and only 5 µA in stand-by mode.

The proximity sensor uses the reflection of the emitted light from a separate IR LED not only to detect objects close to it but also to recognize whether the object is moving toward or away from it. Its high sensitivity in the range from 1 µW/cm² to 10 mW/cm² allows it to operate at long distances of up to 30 cm. With its digital output, the sensor supports the high-speed I²C bus at up to 3.4 MHz.

When it measures brightness, the integrated ambient light sensor immediately returns a lux value of between 3 and 65,000 lx so that the display brightness can be adapted precisely to the ambient light conditions. This makes the display easier to read and increases the time between battery recharges. The sensor is not influenced by the 50-60 Hz fluctuations in the brightness of ambient light produced, for example, by fluorescent lamps.

The digital double pack of proximity and ambient light sensor gives manufacturers of cell phones new freedom of design. Different functionalities can be achieved with just one component – depending on the phone, it could be only the proximity function, only the ambient light function, or both together. The board design and the number of manufacturing processes are the same in all cases.

The cover design also benefits from the SFH 7770 sensor. “Thanks to the high sensitivity of the SFH 7770, the entire cover can now be made of colored plastic with only minimal loss of range for the sensor,” said Dr. Markus Foerste, Head of Development in the Infrared business segment at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. “There is no longer any need for transparent windows.”

By using two further IR LEDs, it is possible to detect gestures with the SFH 7770. The necessary hardware drivers are already integrated. The IR LEDs transmit light signals at a certain frequency. The sensor measures the reflections to detect horizontal and vertical movements. Gesture detection from such small components makes contactless control of applications possible even for very small cell phones and smart phones. Users can flick through photos without even touching the phone or disable an integrated touchpad to prevent starting an app unintentionally.

OSRAM
www.osram-os.com

::Design World::


Filed Under: Semiconductor, Sensors (position + other), Sensors (proximity), Test + measurement • test equipment

 

Tell Us What You Think!

Related Articles Read More >

mti
Portable signal simulator works with jet engine vibration measurement/balancing systems
MTI
Portable engine balancing system for business and regional jets
moog
Test controller features compact footprint, 5 kHz loop rate
SAKOR Technologies’ new dynamometer line to meet international environmental standards

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Industrial disc pack couplings
  • Pushing performance: Adding functionality to terminal blocks
  • Get to Know Würth Industrial Division
  • Renishaw next-generation FORTiS™ enclosed linear encoders offer enhanced metrology and reliability for machine tools
  • WAGO’s smartDESIGNER Online Provides Seamless Progression for Projects
  • Epoxy Certified for UL 1203 Standard

Design World Podcasts

July 26, 2022
Tech Tuesdays: Sorbothane marks 40 years of shock and vibration innovation
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings