ROHM Semiconductor launches infrared LEDs for proximity sensing
San Diego, CA--A new series of high-performance infrared LEDs ideally suited for proximity sensor applications is now available from ROHM Semiconductor. ROHM says the SIM-030/031ST and SIM-040/041ST surface-mount IR LEDs feature breakthrough IR wavelength technology providing peak output of 850/870 nm, compared to 950 nm for comparable devices. The 850/870 nm level is much closer to the peak wave sensitivity of phototransistors (sensors), thus achieving higher efficiency proximity sensing and energy savings of up to 66%. In addition, the small package footprint and low-profile further enhance their application in cell phones and other portable devices.
The SIM-030/031ST, the smaller of the two devices, has a 2.3 mm x 1.95 mm footprint and a height of just 0.9 mm. With a forward current (IF) of 100 mA, the device delivers typical emission strength of 30 mW/sr (milliwatts per steradian). The slightly larger SIM-040/041ST (3.1 mm x 2.25 mm x 1.6 mm) provides 40 mW/sr, typical emission strength.
Field application engineer for ROHM Semiconductor, Avi Elmaleh, said, "The combination of ROHM’s advanced process technology and packaging has resulted in a superior product for space-constrained proximity sensing. The SIM-030/031ST is the perfect choice for power saving in cell phones, turning off the display when the device is closer to the ear."
The IR LEDs complement ROHM’s series of receivers, photointerrupters, tilt sensors, and remote control modules. Small OEM quantity pricing is $0.75 with samples available now and delivery 14 weeks ARO.
SOURCE: ROHM Semiconductor; www.rohm.com/news/110126.html
Gail Overton | Senior Editor (2004-2020)
Gail has more than 30 years of engineering, marketing, product management, and editorial experience in the photonics and optical communications industry. Before joining the staff at Laser Focus World in 2004, she held many product management and product marketing roles in the fiber-optics industry, most notably at Hughes (El Segundo, CA), GTE Labs (Waltham, MA), Corning (Corning, NY), Photon Kinetics (Beaverton, OR), and Newport Corporation (Irvine, CA). During her marketing career, Gail published articles in WDM Solutions and Sensors magazine and traveled internationally to conduct product and sales training. Gail received her BS degree in physics, with an emphasis in optics, from San Diego State University in San Diego, CA in May 1986.