Product category:
Optoelectronic Sensors, Switches and Receivers
News Release from: Rohm Electronics | Subject: BH1600FVC and BH1710FVC
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 15 January 2007
Light sensors save power in portable
displays
Ambient light sensors feature spectral sensitivity characteristics similar to the photopic luminous efficiency of the human eye.
Rohm has recently completed development of two ambient light sensor LSI devices The BH1600FVC (analogue output type) and BH1710FVC (digital output type) feature outstanding spectral sensitivity and are ideally suited for portable electronic devices such as mobile phones as well as LCD TVs
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 7 Feb 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Sample shipments will begin in January 2007 at a unit price of Y100 for the BH1600FVC and Y250 for the BH1710FVC, with mass production slated for April 2007 at a monthly rate of one and two million units, respectively.
It is possible to improve both the performance efficiency and visibility of LCDs (for example in mobile phones, TVs and notebook PCs) by making brightness adjustments based on the ambient light.
Precise control is needed in order to maximise the effects of these improvements.
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However, the brightness sensitivity range of conventional ambient light sensors differs greatly from that of the human eye.
Furthermore, the measurement results of conventional ambient light sensors vary between different light sources, such as sunlight and artificial light.
Rohm's BH1600FVC and BH1710FVC ambient light sensors, on the other hand, feature spectral sensitivity characteristics similar to the photopic luminous efficiency of the human eye, making it possible to measure a broad range of illumination intensities, from darkness to direct sunlight.
In addition, the sensitivity is greatly improved - approximately 10% compared with up to 400%, depending on the type of light source applied (ie fluorescent or incandescent light), resulting in stable operation.
Moreover, both analogue and digital output sensors are available, making them compatible with a wide variety of applications.
The BH1600FVC analogue output type ambient light sensor features a two-level output current gain adjustment - an industry first - as well as low voltage operation.
The BH1710FVC digital output type incorporates a 16bit A/D convertor, is capable of precisely measuring a wide range of intensities in 1 lux increments, and can directly output the illumination intensity digitally - also an industry first - making it possible to eliminate conventionally required external operation processing.
The market for electronic products is constantly expanding.
Rohm will continue to develop products that improve the efficiency and performance of electronic devices such as LCDs, maintaining its reputation as a world-class semiconductor manufacturer.
Rohm's advanced product development capabilities will be utilised to meet the needs of customers while increasing its lineup of highly reliable, sophisticated products.
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