Vishay VCSEL-based reflective optical sensor
Summary
Saving space compared to previous-generation solutions — while delivering improved performance with a higher current transfer ratio (CTR), increased sensing distance, and lower power consumption — the Vishay Semiconductors VCNT2030 features a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and a silicon phototransistor in a miniature 1.85 x 1.2 x 0.6 mm surface-mount package. The device features a compact construction in which the emitting light source and detector are arranged in the same plane. It offers excellent internal crosstalk suppression due to the VCSELs narrow ± 17° emission angle, which also enables improved proximity performance behind cover glass. The VCNT2030s analog output signal at the phototransistor is dependent on the amount of light emitted by the VCSEL and reflected off an object in the sensors field of view. With its compact footprint, the VCNT2030 saves > 40 % PCB space compared to previous-generation devices, allowing the sensor to serve as a space-saving solution for optical switching in industrial infrastructure, home and building controls, notebook and desktop computers, home appliances, consumer electronics, and metering applications; optical encoding for motor control in e-bikes, golf carts, tractors, and harvesters; and paper presence detection in printers and scanners.