Murata believes its LT-1PA01 combined sensor is the smallest of its type in the world. The surface-mounted device measures 3.05 by 2.10 by 1.10 mm and integrates an optical proximity sensor and an illuminance sensor.
The proximity sensor uses a photoreceptor to measure the distance to an object based on the amount of returned light. Another photoreceptor is used to detect the amount of ambient brightness.
Such sensors are widely used in smartphones to darken the screen when the phone is near the user’s face during a call or to increase the brightness of the screen’s backlight when used outdoors.
The device has an extremely low power profile, consuming only 80 µA during proximity sensing. Its illuminance sensing angle is ±45° at 50%, and its sensing distance is up to 70 mm with a gray card. Its operating voltage is +3.3 V dc. Communication with the host processor is via I2C serial communications.
MURATA ELECTRONICS EUROPE