VCNL3040 Proximity Sensor for Distances Up to 30 cm

Vishay’s VCNL3040 sensor combines an IR emitter, photodetectors for proximity, amplifiers, and ADC circuitry into a single package. The VCNL3040 features a programmable interrupt function and supports the I²C bus communication interface for efficient object and collision detection in a wide variety of consumer and industrial applications. Ideally suited for use in smart home, industrial, office, and toy products, the device provides a 33% increase in proximity detection distance compared to previous-generation sensors at a lower cost than similar solutions on the market. Applications include presence detection to activate displays in printers, copiers, and home appliances; collision detection in robots and toys; vehicle occupancy detection in parking lots; and proximity detection in lavatory appliances.

The VCNL3040’s programmable interrupt function allows designers to specify high and low thresholds which reduces the continuous communication with the microcontroller. Featuring selectable 12-bit and 16-bit outputs, the proximity sensor uses intelligent cancellation to eliminate cross-talk, while a smart persistence scheme ensures accurate sensing and faster response time. The emitter wavelength peaks at 940 nm and has no visible red-tail. The VCNL3040 offers a supply voltage range of 2.5 V to 3.6 V, an I²C bus voltage range from 1.8 V to 3.3 V, and excellent temperature compensation from -40°C to +85°C. Offered in a lead-free 8-pin QFN package, the sensor is RoHS compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.