Vishay introduced IR Sensor Modules for outdoor sensor applications

Vishay Intertechnology has introduced two new fixed-gain infrared (IR) sensor modules designed to lower costs and increase stability for outdoor sensor applications.

The devices are ideal for sensing the distance to objects for toys, drones, robots, and vicinity switches presence detection for traffic control lights and parking lot, gateway access, and water level sensors and light barriers for sports racing and lawnmower robots.

Offering typical irradiance of 1.3 mW/m² in compact Minimold packages, the surface-mount TSSP93038DF1PZA and leaded TSSP93038SS1ZA provide robust operation in direct sunlight while still providing enough sensitivity for light barrier applications.

Unlike high sensitivity fixed-gain IR sensor modules that require attenuators like dark panels, apertures, and sunshades to protect them against sunlight — adding to overall solutions costs — the controlled sensitivity of the Vishay Semiconductors devices released today allows them to operate in full sunlight without unwanted pulses. In addition, for short range presence and proximity applications, the sensors’ reduced sensitivity eliminates the need for extremely low emitter forward currents, which can lead to unstable intensity outputs.

The TSSP93038DF1PZA and TSSP93038SS1ZA operate over a supply voltage range from 2.0 V to 3.6 V, feature a low supply current of 0.35 mA, and are sensitive to a carrier frequency of 38 kHz. Designed to receive IR pulses from an emitter with a peak wavelength of 940 nm, the devices are insensitive to ripple noise on the supply voltage and provide shielding against EMI, while an IR filter suppresses visible light. The modules are RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.