New Reflective Optical Sensor with Transistor Output Serves as Space-Saving Solution for Optical Switching in Automotive Electronic Systems

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has introduced a new AEC-Q101 qualified reflective optical sensor VCNT2025X01 that combines an infrared emitter, silicon phototransistor detector, and daylight blocking filter in a miniature 2.5 mm by 2.0 mm by 0.6 mm surface-mount package and is designed for automotive, smart home, industrial, and office applications. This device offers a lower profile than previous-generation solutions while delivering improved performance with a higher current transfer ratio (CTR) and operating temperature. Moreover, the low profile allows the sensor to serve as a space-saving solution for optical switching in automotive electronic systems, office equipment, and home appliances, optical encoding in industrial automation systems, and paper presence detection in printers and copy machines.

This sensor offers a detection range of 0.3 mm to 4.5 mm, an emitter wavelength of 940 nm, and a typical output current of 6.6 mA, which represents a typical CTR of 33 % under test conditions. This value is 24 % higher than previous-generation solutions and 23 % higher than the closest competing sensor. This device features a Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) of 3 for reflow soldering according to J-STD-020 and provides high-temperature operation to +110 °C, compared to +80 °C for the closest competing device.

Features

• Package type: SMD

• Detector type: phototransistor

• Dimensions (L x W x H in mm): 2.5 x 2 x 0.6

• Emitter wavelength: 940 nm

• Moisture sensitivity level (MSL): 3

• AEC-Q101 qualified

Applications

• Position sensor

• Optical switch

• Optical encoder

• Object detection

Availability

Samples and production quantities of the new VCNT2025X01 Sensor are now available with lead times of eight to 12 weeks for large orders.