Sharp releases smallest proximity sensor

Sharp Corp. has unveiled the GP2AP020A00F proximity sensor with integrated ambient light sensor that is geared for smartphones and other mobile devices. The device boasts the industry's smallest package size and is touted by Sharp as one of the best products in the industry for detecting extremely low levels of light.

Touch panels normally seen on mobile phones have ambient light sensors that adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen in response to the brightness of the surroundings so give users can better viewing experience. It also has a proximity sensor that detects the user's face when it is near and automatically powers off the LCD screen during calls. This reduces power consumption and prevents unintentional input from the user's face.

The GP2AP020A00F integrates a proximity sensor with a light sensor in a single component. By using a single chip solution for light-receiving components of light sensor and proximity sensor, Sharp claims to have achieved a small package volume that is about 16 percent less at 4 x 2x 1.2mm. This offers more flexibility in designing the structure of mobile devices and allows them to be made smaller, says Sharp.

The GP2AP020A00F operates at 1.7–3.6V AND at -35°C–85°C. It has a detection distance of TYP. 60mm, minimum detection sensitivity (light sensor) of 0.02lux and peak sensitivity wavelength at 560nm.

The product has a high-resolution DSP circuit for improved light-receiving sensitivity and precise processing. The GP2AP020A00F can detect illuminance as low as 0.02lux, compared to 0.1lux for the precursor product. Light sensor covers on the surface of mobile devices have normally been in color with high light transmittance, but with this product, the cover can be the same color as the mobile device and still detect ambient light.