Optical Lid Sensor Eliminates Magnetic Types

Riding in as the industry’s first optical lid sensor chip for tablet computers, notebooks, and smartphones, the CM36262 integrates lid, ambient-light, and proximity sensors into a single chip that the company believes will eliminate magnetic lid sensors. The lid sensor eases the power down of touch-screen products while the ambient light sensor adjusts screen brightness to extend battery life, and the proximity sensor turns off dialing when a smartphone is held in the listening position next to an ear. The CM36262 chip works in conjunction with an adjacent infrared LED that shines a beam straight out of a touch-screen glass.  It relies on the company’s patented Dual Filtron technology and a wide range of circuits to accomplish sensing functions. The chip operates from 2.6V to 3.7V volts with a typical current consumption of 180 mA. Sampling now, price for the device is $0.79 each/1,000. Capella Microsystems Inc., Santa Clara, CA. (408) 727-8500.