New light sensor emulates human eye

Aimed at consumer and automotive applications, the new AMIS-74980x light sensor from AMI Semiconductor emulates the human eye in that its output is proportional to ambient light, adjusting a display's brightness and contrast accordingly. This not only reduces eye strain, but also controls power dissipation and minimises battery recharges or replacements in portable devices, according to the company.

The company's light sensor features analogue and digital output, with a 3V to 3.6V supply range and an operating frequency of 10-100kHz. The operating temperature range is 0 to 70°C.

Produced in AMI Semiconductor's proprietary CMOS image-sensing technology, the AMIS-74980x sensor provides design flexibility and cost savings for devices with illuminated displays, the supplier said. It may be used in cell phones, PDAs, handheld displays, LCD monitors, portable DVD players, notebook PCs, large-format LED displays and MP3 players. It could also find a home in such automotive applications as in-car entertainment video systems, GPS displays, headlamps, rear-view mirrors and dashboards.

AMI said the AMIS-74980x family performs equally well in a variety of light sources ranging from natural sunlight to fluorescent, conventional incandescent or halogen lamps. An important feature is its low dark current, enabling its integrated display controller to adjust the brightness of the display even in low-light-level environments. The sensor family also offers multiple output options, programmability and low power consumption.

The digital output version of the AMIS-74980x is priced at Rs.34.66 (75 cents) each in quantities of 10,000. The analogue version is priced at Rs.25.42 (55 cents) each in quantities of 10,000.

- Gina Roos
eeProductCenter