Jul 06, 2010 
MALVERN, PA - Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) is adding to its Optoelectronics portfolio with a family of mid-range infrared (IR) sensors featuring digital and analog outputs in three package types. With a fast response time of 300 microseconds and low supply current of 0.85 mA, the industry-best detectors have a range of up to 30 meters when used as part of an interrupter design and a range of up to three meters when used as part of a reflective sensor.
Some object detecting sensors adjust their detection threshold depending on the amount of ambient light and optical noise present in the environment. To avoid false detections in the presence of noise, the gain of the amplifier may adjust itself to such a low level that sensor responsiveness is affected. In low ambient light conditions, the sensor may increase its gain and make the receiver too sensitive, such that it will detect and respond to reflected or stray light.
The TSOP4038, TSOP58038, and TSOP5038 IR sensors with digital output eliminate these problems by featuring a fixed gain. With a fixed gain the detection threshold and resulting detection distance is fixed. Once the design of the optical parameters such as the intensity of the emitter, the aperture in front of the receiver, and the alignment of emitter and detector are determined, the sensor will have stable, repeatable performance under all lighting conditions.
Many other applications require a reflective sensor that detects not only presence but also proximity by measuring the strength or weakness of the reflected signal. Instead of a fixed detection threshold, analog information from the sensor is needed. This is possible with the TSOP4P38, TSOP5P38, and TSOP58P38 IR proximity sensors. The length of the sensor's output pulse in response to the emitter signal varies in proportion to the amount of light reflected from the object being detected. For near objects, the output pulse approaches 100 % of the emitted pulse; for far objects, the output pulse becomes shorter.
Vishay's mid-range sensors enable a wide variety of safety mechanisms and automatic fixtures in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. Typical applications include safety switches for garage doors, elevator doors, gates, perimeter guards and industrial light curtains, and reflective sensors for toilets, urinals, faucets, hand dryers, towel dispensers, and LCD monitor power sensors.
In applications such as light curtains and perimeter guards, fast reaction times are critical. While some sensors require the IR beam to be interrupted for up to 5 ms before detection, Vishay's mid-range sensors require only 300 microseconds.
The new IR sensors provide shielding against EMI and a supply voltage of 2.7 V to 5.5 V. To simplify designs, the devices feature a photo detector and preamplifier in one package, while visible light is suppressed by an internal IR filter. The components are compliant to RoHS 2002/95/EC and WEEE 2002/96/EC.
Samples and production quantities of the mid-range IR sensors are available now, with lead times of 10 weeks for large orders. Follow Vishay's mid-range IR sensors at http://twitter.com/VishayIndust.
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH), is one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and selected ICs) and passive electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, sensors, and transducers). These components are used in virtually all types of electronic devices and equipment, in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Its product innovations, successful acquisition strategy, and "one-stop shop" service have made Vishay a global industry leader. Vishay can be found on the Internet at http://www.vishay.com.
