Vishay Unveils Compact 600 mm Range Proximity Sensor

Vishay Intertechnology’s Optoelectronics group has introduced a high-sensitivity proximity sensor in a compact surface-mount package measuring just 5.0 mm x 2.0 mm x 1.5 mm.

The Vishay Semiconductors VCNL36758 integrates:

• IR emitter, photodiode, amplifiers, and a 12-bit ADC into a single device,
• Enables low power consumption and proximity detection at distances of up to 600 mm.
• It’s well-suited for applications across smart homes, industrial systems, and office environments.

Compared to earlier solutions, the new sensor reduces size by 65%, making it ideal for space-constrained designs that still require longer sensing distances.

Its built-in IR emitter is controlled by an internal current sink with selectable registers, allowing engineers to fine-tune performance based on detection range and power requirements.

The VCNL36758 supports a wide range of use cases from activating displays in printers, copiers, tablets, and appliances, to enabling collision avoidance in robots and toys.

It can also be used for proximity sensing and lighting control in offices, corridors, and public spaces, as well as for touchless activation in sanitary systems and parking availability detection.

To ensure reliable performance, the high-sensitivity proximity sensor features:

• Intelligent ambient light cancellation and high sensitivity, even when used behind dark lenses.
• To further improve efficiency, the device includes a programmable interrupt function that lets designers define threshold limits,
• Reduces the need for constant communication with the microcontroller. This helps lower overall system power consumption.
• An active force mode enables single-shot measurements via a simple command, adding another layer of power optimization.
• The 12-bit sensor also incorporates crosstalk cancellation and an adjustable persistence scheme to minimize false triggers and improve response time.

The proximity sensor operates at a peak wavelength of 940 nm with no visible red glow and maintains stable performance across temperatures ranging from ?40 °C to +85 °C. It comes in a lead-free, 10-pin molded package and meets RoHS standards, while also being halogen-free and compliant with Vishay’s Green initiative.

Samples and production quantities of the VCNL36758 are available now, with lead times of 16 weeks.