Optical Proximity Sensor Makes It Automatic For Consumer Appliances

Oct. 18, 2004

Compact mobile devices have a new miniature, low-cost optical proximity sensor at the ready. In mobile phones, for example, the HSDL-9100-021 sensor makes it possible to automatically change from the loudspeaker to the earpiece mode when the phone is placed near the ear. Current phone models require user intervention to switch between both modes. The sensor also can detect the opening and closing of popular clamshell mobile phones and activate the power-saving mode in notebook computers.

Developed by Agilent Technologies, the sensor is well suited for paper-edge detection in printers, photocopiers, and fax machines. It also can be used to switch home appliances such as table lamps on and off without the need for mechanical switches. Many other potential applications exist within the consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The sensor is specifically optimized for size, performance, and ease of design in mobile appliances. Its small footprint (7.1 by 2.75 mm and only 2.7 mm high) suits space-constrained applications. It offers a variable detection range from zero to 60 mm (2.4 in.) that lets manufacturers easily customize the device for multiple applications. The sensor's metal housing shields the LED emitter from the photodetector. The surface-mount, lead-free package eliminates optical crosstalk between the emitter and the light sensor to ensure a high signal-to-noise ratio. The unit also features an integral ambient light filter and guaranteed performance from 25°C to 85°C.

Available now, the HSDL-9100 costs $0.91 each in 50,000-unit quantities.

Agilent Technologies Inc.www.agilent.com/view/i
(800) 235-0312

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.