Vishay Intertechnology on Tuesday introduced the VCNL36829UM proximity sensor, a miniature device designed for wearable electronics and augmented reality systems. The component integrates a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser, photodiode, application-specific integrated circuit, 16-bit analog-to-digital converter and dual I²C slave address in a 1.6 mm x 1.0 mm x 0.35 mm package, representing a 44% reduction in volume compared with prior-generation solutions.
The sensor delivers 14-bit proximity resolution with sunlight immunity up to 200 kilolux and an operational range of 50 millimeters. Power consumption is optimized via an idle current of 5 microamperes and a programmable interrupt function that allows designers to set high and low thresholds, reducing microcontroller communication. The device operates from a supply voltage range of 1.65 volts to 2.0 volts, with a typical rating of 1.8 volts, and supports I²C bus voltages from 1.08 volts to 3.6 volts.
Target applications include true wireless stereo earphones, virtual reality and augmented reality headsets, and smart glasses. Consumer appliance use cases span touchless dispensing systems and lid-off detection in household devices. Vishay notes lead times of 15 weeks for samples and production quantities.
The VCNL36829UM is RoHS-compliant and halogen-free, aligning with environmental standards for electronics manufacturing. The company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker NYSE:VSH, specializes in discrete semiconductors and passive components serving automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace and medical markets.
