Highly integrated optical and proximity sensors that provide extended battery life, reduced design time, and board space savings in space-constrained portable applications

SUNNYVALE, CA—January 3, 2012—Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) has launched the MAX44000, a digital ambient light and infrared proximity sensor that detects light just like the human eye. Designed using Maxim's proprietary BiCMOS technology, this IC integrates three light sensors, two ADCs, and digital functions into an ultra-small 2mm x 2mm x 0.6mm package. This integration provides light fusion and a new level of light sensing performance while saving valuable board space.

The MAX44000 consumes very low power. It consumes only 5μA when the ambient light sensor is operating, and just 7μA even when both the proximity sensor and the ambient light sensor are operating. This low power consumption significantly extends the battery life of applications. The MAX44000 is ideal for touchscreen applications, including smartphones, mobile devices, industrial sensors, and presence detection.

A proximity sensor is essential to prevent the touchscreen from interfering with calls due to unintended touches when the smartphone is brought close to the user's face. This is because the mobile phone can detect objects within a specific distance during a call or other preset events. When a detected signal is received, it passes through a DC-aware IR rejection front-end circuit and is transmitted to the ADC. Through this process, the MAX44000 can operate even in environments with significant DC IR radiation. This sensor is resistant to fixed-frequency external IR radiation as it uses a single-pulse technique to pulse an external IR LED. This resistance further enhances the reliability of the sensor's operation.

Conventional optical sensors are excessively affected by ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light, which is imperceptible to the human eye. The detection of such light leads to inaccurate readings of ambient light. Maxim's BiCMOS technology eliminates UV and IR by integrating two photodiodes along with an optical filter. With this design, the MAX44000 can replicate the light response of the human eye in various environments.

Additional information
Designed to meet the limited space requirements of portable systems, the MAX44000 is available in a lead-free, 2mm x 2mm x 0.6mm, 6-pin UTDFN-Opto-EP package. The device operates from -40°C to +105°C and enhances system robustness. More details can be found at http://www.maxim-ic.com/landing/index.mvp?lpk=618 .