Vishay launches a high-sensitivity proximity sensor with a detection range of up to 600 mm

This space-saving device offers low-power, high-performance backlight suppression for smart home, industrial and office applications

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) has announced the launch of the VCNL36758, a new high-sensitivity proximity sensor housed in a compact 5.0 mm x 2.0 mm x 1.5 mm surface-mount package. The Vishay VCNL36758 integrates an infrared emitter, photodiode, amplifier and 12-bit ADC into a single device. It not only offers low power consumption but also enables mid-range proximity detection at distances of up to 600 mm, making it suitable for smart home, industrial and office applications.

Compared to previous-generation solutions, the proximity sensor launched this time is 65% smaller in size. Featuring a compact package, the device meets the design requirements of space-constrained applications that require a longer detection range than typical short-range sensors, whilst also enhancing design flexibility. The VCNL36758’s integrated infrared emitter is driven by a built-in current source and is equipped with selectable internal registers, allowing engineers to optimise detection range and power consumption.

This sensor provides object detection capabilities for activating displays in printers, photocopiers, tablets and household appliances; obstacle avoidance in toys and robots; proximity detection and lighting control in offices, corridors and public buildings; activation of bathroom appliances; and parking space availability detection in car parks and garages. For these applications, the device features intelligent backlight suppression, ensuring reliable proximity detection in the presence of ambient light, whilst its high sensitivity supports use in environments with low-transmittance lenses.

The programmable interrupt function allows designers to set high and low thresholds, thereby reducing continuous communication with the microcontroller and lowering system power consumption. Furthermore, the active mode triggers a single measurement via a single command, saving even more power. The device’s 12-bit proximity sensor employs intelligent cancellation technology to eliminate crosstalk, whilst an intelligently adjustable hold-up scheme prevents false triggering, ensuring accurate detection and faster response times.

The VCNL36758 has a peak emitter wavelength of 940 nm and exhibits no visible ‘red tail’ phenomenon. The device offers excellent temperature compensation across a temperature range of −40 °C to +85 °C. Furthermore, this sensor is housed in a lead-free, 10-pin moulded package that complies with RoHS standards, is halogen-free, and meets Vishay’s Green Standards.

Device Specifications:

Part Number        VCNL36758

Package Dimensions (mm)        5.0 x 2.0 x 1.5

Operating Voltage (V)        1.7 to 3.6

I²C Bus Voltage (V)        1.7 to 3.6

LED Pulse Current (mA)        240

Detection Range (mm)        600

ADC Resolution         12-bit

Samples of the VCNL36758 are now available and the product is in mass production, with a lead time of 16 weeks.