Ambient light sensor for the automotive industry:

Sense and sensitivity

Osram Opto Semiconductors is launching its new SFH2430 ambient light sensor, a discrete component that is tailored precisely to the needs of the automobile industry. Based on a photo-diode with improved V lambda characteristics, the sensor is even closer to the spectral sensitivity of the human eye than its transistor-based predecessor.

The sensor is a silicon photo-diode with a linear characteristic in which only a small dark current flows and the distorting effect of infra-red light is greatly suppressed. This results in a very good signal-to-noise ratio, reduced temperature dependence of the photo-current and the capacity to detect even twilight with great reliability. SFH2430 operates reliably at temperatures between -40°C and +100°C and therefore meets the stringent requirements of the automobile industry. Peak sensitivity is around 570 nm. Compared with the predecessor model, there are smaller sensitivity differences from component to component. This improves homogeneity and makes external circuit design easier.

The main areas of application include control of headlights based on available ambient light, for example when driving through tunnels, and dashboard backlighting so the instruments can be seen as clearly as possible however much or little light is available. The sensor is suitable for all standard surface mounted technology (SMT) soldering processes.

About Osram Opto Semiconductors
Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH, Regensburg, is a subsidiary of Osram, one of the three largest lighting manufacturers in the world. It offers its customers solutions based on semiconductor technology for the lighting, sensor and visualisation sectors. The company has sites in Regensburg, San José (USA) and Penang (Malaysia). In the 2002 fiscal year (to the end of September) its 3370 employees produced sales totalling EURO 309 million.

For more information go to www.osram-os.com.

Ambient light sensor for the automotive industry:
Sense and sensitivity
SFH2430 is even better than its predecessor at simulating the spectral sensitivity of the human eye, exhibits greater thermal stability and reacts to minimal light values (twilight for example).

Press contact:

OSRAM

Marion Reichl
Tel: +49-941-850-1693
Fax: +49-941-850-4441693
Email: marion.reichl@osram-os.com