Feb 23 2011
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced new digital ambient-light sensor (ALS) ICs called the MAX44009/ MAX44007.
The sensor ICs have a special adaptive-gain block and are based on BiCMOS process. The sensor chips incorporate two optical sensors such as digital functionality and ADC that are accommodated in a housing measuring 2x2x0.6 mm.
According to Maxim, the MAX44009/ MAX44007 sensor ICs consume power that is 100 times less than the competitive products. By decreasing the frequency of I²C communications, the chips can increase power conservation. The measurement of light is carried out constantly and reported to the microcontroller whenever the measurement surpasses the threshold value.
The MAX44009/ MAX44007 incorporate two photodiodes with an optical filter to eliminate IR and UV light, allowing accurate sensing of light intensity. Spectra differences between light sources can be rectified with sophisticated algorithms. The chips’ optimal total gain error is 15% and the digital interface between sensor and device is protected from electrical noise.
The MAX44007 tackles the black or tinted glass problems by offering access to an IR photodiode and a visible-plus-IR photodiode. The MAX44007 can measure light levels down to 0.025 lux, while the MAX44009 can determine a light level between 0.045 lux and 188,000 lux, offering a range of over 4,000,000 to 1.
The MAX44009/ MAX44007 can be used for digital lighting-management systems, smartphones and light-intensity monitoring applications.