New GaN sensor is sensitive to UV-A/B/C radiation

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Orion Semiconductor has unveiled the OS100 Gallium Nitride (GaN) ultraviolet sensor. The device is sensitive to UV-A, B and C radiation but completely blind to the visible spectrum.

While typical UV sensors generate a wide output range for a given UV index, the OS100 can be supplied to a ±3 percent tolerance, enabling the device to be used without in-circuit trimming.

Alternatively, the device may be supplied in module form producing a known amplified output for a given UV intensity. This minimizes the engineer's design efforts and increases ease of manufacture, the company said.

"Orion's range of UV sensors are manufactured using a proprietary GaN process," said David Slack, managing director at Orion Semiconductor. "Our innovative manufacturing techniques together with state-of-the-art equipment deliver products with exceptional accuracy, reliability and efficiency in the smallest possible footprint."

Orion said its sensors offer the highest possible performance while maintaining cost effectiveness, providing customers with the best price/performance solutions available.

Typical applications for the device include personal UV index measurement systems, pedometers with UV detection, watches, weather stations, fire detection systems, UV sterilisation systems, climate control and medical equipment.

Now shipping in volume, the device is available in a miniature surface-mount package or through-hole TO18 package suitable for harsh environments. Both packages are Pb-free and RoHS compliant.