Analog & Power: Optoelectronic Sensors Take Surface-Mount Plunge

Putting light-sensing capabilities into high-volume, low-profile applications such as toys, smoke alarms, and printers will become easier with a line of optoelectronic sensors in surface-mount packaging. The TSL250/251RD and TSL260/261RD light-to-voltage converters are now offered in an eight-pin SOIC that stands 1.8 mm tall. All combine a photodiode and transimpedance amp in a monolithic IC. Output voltage is directly proportional to the light intensity impinging on the photodiode. The 260/261 versions are infrared devices. Prices start at $1.54 each in lots of 1000.