New Active Light Sensor Interface IC from Melexis Makes Gesture Recognition Easier to Apply
Tessenderlo, Belgium, 17th January 2013 – The MLX75030 from Melexis is a universal active light sensor interface which has been designed to allow easy implementation of robust multi-channel, close range optical sensing systems into difficult operational environments. It incorporates four independent simultaneously operating light measurement channels; two taking care of reflection and the other two for ambient light measurement. This makes the device highly optimized for inclusion in human-machine interfaces (HMI) requiring proximity detection or touch-less gesture recognition in environments subject to wide variation in background lighting levels, especially in automotive infotainment systems, white goods and consumer electronics devices.
This IC features two active light reflection measurement channels with integrated ambient light suppression. The active light sensing section is complemented by two logarithmic current sensors which can measure the photocurrent signal from externally connected photodiodes for ambient light sensing. Internal control logic, configurable user registers and SPI communication enable simple, programmable operation. More channels can be added through multiplexing. A built-in temperature sensor can be used to compensate any heat effects.
The MLX75030 controls the LED current and measures the resulting photodiode signal, which is translated into digital form by an integrated 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC). This data can then be transferred to the system microcontroller via the SPI interface. The optical light intensity of both active light channels can be used to detect proximity of an object close to the detectors, independent from the background light level. Human gestures (such as swipes or zooms) can then be determined by use of software algorithms. HMI response times of 30 frames/sec are supported.
To help meet the most challenging automotive requirements the device integrates auxiliary circuit functions such as: a watchdog timer; CRC, open/short test; internal diagnostics; bias/reference sources; and clock generators.
The MLX75030 is offered in a compact (4 mm x 4 mm), 24-pin surface mount QFN package, or as a bare die. Versions supporting both standard 0°C to 70°C and extended - 40°C to 105°C operational temperature ranges are available.
Ends
Contact Melexis
Applications & Marketing Sales Leads
Rik Moens Brenda Vanderheyden
Melexis Melexis
Transportstraat 1. Transportstraat 1.
3980 Tessenderlo 3980 Tessenderlo
Belgium Belgium
Tel: +32 13 670 795 Tel: +32 13 670 495
Fax: +32 13 672 134 Fax: +32 13 672 134
rmo@melexis.com brv@melexis.com
About Melexis
Melexis Microelectronic Integrated Systems N.V. (Euronext Brussels:MELE) imagines, creates and delivers innovative mixed signal integrated circuits. Melexis ICs are driving green solutions that enable our customers to bring more energy efficient automotive systems to market. Melexis product portfolio addresses 4 classes of ICs; Sensor, Optoelectronic, Wireless and Actuators. Sensors include magnetic, MEMs, and sensor interface ICs. Optoelectronic products encompass linear arrays, single point sensors, infrared thermometers and CMOS wide dynamic range and night vision cameras. Wireless ICs focus on RKE, TPMS, ISM band applications, NFC, RFID reader and smart tag solutions. Actuator ICs cover LIN and CAN bus networking ICs and advanced BLDC motor driver technology. Melexis is proud of its participation toward reducing the human race's global environmental footprint.
For more information visit www.melexis.com
Issued by:
Mike Green
Pinnacle Marketing Communications Ltd
Tel: +44 208 4296 543
E-mail: m.green@pinnaclemarcom.com
Web: www.pinnacle-marketing.com
January 2013 Ref: PR12/A
