Summary of VISHAY VCNL36821S IRED INTEGRATED PROXIMITY SENSOR
The Vishay VCNL36821S is a fully integrated proximity sensor combining an infrared emitter, photodiode, and signal processing IC in a single 1mm low-profile package. It offers up to 30cm range without mechanical barriers, features I2C connectivity with programmable interrupts, and operates on 1.7V to 3.6V power. Designed for smartphones and tablets, it includes temperature compensation and immunity to red glow issues.
Parts used in the Vishay VCNL36821S Proximity Sensor:
- Infrared emitter (IRED)
- Photodiode for proximity measurement
- Signal processing IC
- 12-bit ADC
- I2C bus interface
- Programmable interrupt function
- Microcontroller wake-up capability
Vishay VCNL36821S IRED Integrated Proximity Sensor is fully integrated with an infrared emitter, a photodiode for proximity measurement, and a signal processing IC in a single package with a 12-bit ADC. With a range of up to 30cm (12″), this stand-alone component simplifies the use and design-in of proximity sensors as no mechanical barriers are required to optically isolate the emitter from the detector. The VCNL36821S is offered in a miniature, surface mount, 2.55mm x 2.05mm leadless package (LLP) with a low profile of 1mm. The device is designed to meet the low height requirements needed for use in smartphones, mobile phones, digital cameras, and tablet PC applications.

Features
- Surface mount package type
- 2.55mm x 2.05mm x 1.0mm (LxWxH) in dimension
- Integrated modules
- Infrared emitter (IRED)
- Proximity sensor (PS)
- Signal conditioning IC
- Interrupt function
- Small light hole opening design
- Immunity to red glow issues (940nm)
- 1.7V to 3.6V supply voltage range
- Low power consumption I2C (SMBus compatible interface)
- 168-hour floor life, MSL 3, according to J-STD-020
- I2C bus (PS) output type
- -40°C to +85°C temperature compensation
Specifications
- Supply voltage range
- 1.7V to 3.6V sensor
- 2.5V to 3.6V IR LED
- Temperature range
- -40°C to +85°C operating
- -40°C to +100°C storage
- 100µA to 300µA supply current
- 1µA (typical) shutdown current
- 940nm (typical) peak wavelength of IRED
- 156mA (maximum) IRED driving current
- Lead-free, halogen-free, and RoHS compliant
With its standard I2C bus serial digital interface, easy access is allowed to the “proximity signal”. The programmable interrupt function offers wake-up functionality for the microcontroller when a proximity change occurs reducing processing overhead by eliminating the need for continuous polling. The implemented infrared emitters cathode is connected to the driver internally and does not need to be externally connected. The IRED features a peak wavelength of 940nm, emits light that reflects off an object to allow detection within 30cm of the sensor, and has a programmable drive current from 50mA to 156mA.
Read more: VISHAY VCNL36821S IRED INTEGRATED PROXIMITY SENSOR
- What is the maximum detection range of the VCNL36821S?
The device has a range of up to 30cm or 12 inches. - Does the sensor require external mechanical barriers?
No, the stand-alone component simplifies design as no mechanical barriers are required to optically isolate the emitter from the detector. - How does the programmable interrupt function benefit the system?
It offers wake-up functionality for the microcontroller when a proximity change occurs, reducing processing overhead by eliminating continuous polling. - What is the supply voltage range for the sensor?
The sensor operates within a supply voltage range of 1.7V to 3.6V. - Can the IRED drive current be adjusted?
Yes, the IRED features a programmable drive current ranging from 50mA to 156mA. - Is the VCNL36821S compatible with standard digital interfaces?
Yes, it uses a standard I2C bus serial digital interface which is SMBus compatible. - What is the peak wavelength of the infrared emitter?
The IRED features a typical peak wavelength of 940nm. - What operating temperature range does the device support?
The device supports an operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C.
