Ambient Light Sensor Reduces Power, Improves Display Visibility

The TPS859 ambient light sensor incorporates a photodiode, current amplifier, and a luminous-efficiency correction function in a single chip. The device boosts sensitivity with a light current of 230 µA and employs a unique optical filtering technology that achieves luminous efficiency near that of the human eye. The filter reduces the ratio of incandescent to fluorescent light sensitivity to 1 typical. In a surface-mount package measuring 1.6 mm x 1.6 mm x 0.55 mm, the TPS859 operates from 1.8V to 5.5V supply and across a temperature range from -30°C to +85°C. Price is $0.35 each/10,000. TOSHIBA AMERICA ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS INC., Irvine, CA. (949) 623-2900.