ams Launches World’s Smallest Ambient Light Sensor for Next Generation Wearable Products

Integrated on-chip interference filters reject IR producing a near-photopic response

ams, a provider of high performance sensors and analog ICs, today introduced the TSL2584TSV, an ambient light sensor (ALS) in a through-silicon via (TSV) package which has a footprint of just 1.145 x 1.66 mm and a height of 0.32 mm.

In display management applications, automatically controlling the backlight intensity with an ALS  ensures the best possible user experience while extending battery life.  The new TSL2584TSV’s outline and height are approximately half the size of competing ALS devices, making it the world’s smallest ALS.

ams’ has leveraged its wafer fabrication expertise to include TSV packaging technology as part of its light sensor portfolio. This TSV package technology improves performance by eliminating  use of wire bonds and provides a direct connection from the device I/Os to a solder ball. TSV enhances the device reliability performance with a Moisture Sensitivity Level-1 standard rating, improves Humidity Temperature-Cycling performance while minimizing corrosion resistivity.

The TSL2584TSV’s near-photopic response produces a highly accurate lux measurement even when mounted behind dark glass. Advanced fabrication technology and the ability to accurately deposit interference filters directly onto the silicon results in a superior performing ALS. Filtering out unwanted IR light enables the sensor to more accurately measure the ambient light thus producing a near-photopic response.

‘By providing the world’s smallest ambient light sensor, ams now enables designers of wearable devices such as smart watches and fitness bands to easily integrate ambient light sensors into the thinnest backlight displays,’ said David Moon, senior marketing manager in the Advanced Optical Solutions division of ams. 

‘The ultra small size of the TSL2584TSV also provides smartphones and tablet developers more design flexibility. With a footprint of less than 2 mm² and a height of only 0.32 mm the TSL2584TSV marks a major milestone in the development of ALS solutions, opening up many new options for implementing display management in highly space-constrained designs.’

The TSL2584TSV is available for volume production today. It is priced at $0.58 each in order quantities of 1,000 pieces.

A TSL2584TSV Evaluation Kit is available . To request samples and for more technical information, visit here.