Vishay Launches Compact Proximity Sensor With 600 mm Detection Range

The Optoelectronics division of Vishay Intertechnology has launched the VCNL36758, a compact high-sensitivity proximity sensor designed for medium-range detection up to 600 mm. Housed in a small 5.0 mm × 2.0 mm × 1.5 mm surface-mount package, the device integrates an IR emitter, photodiode, amplifiers, and a 12-bit ADC into a single solution while maintaining low power consumption for smart home, industrial, and office applications.

Compared to previous-generation solutions, the proximity sensor released today offers a volume reduction of 65 %. The device’s small package supports space-limited designs that require longer detection distances than typical short distance sensors, while enhancing design flexibility. The VCNL36758’s integrated IR emitter is driven by a built-in current sink with an internal selectable register, allowing engineers to optimize detection range and power consumption.

The sensor provides presence detection for display activation in printers, copiers, tablets, and home appliances; collision avoidance in toys and robots; proximity sensing and lighting control in offices, corridors, and public buildings; lavatory appliance activation; and parking space availability in lots and garages. For these applications, the device features intelligent background light cancellation to ensure reliable proximity detection in the presence of ambient light sources, while its high sensitivity supports dark lens designs.

A programmable interrupt function allows designers to specify high and low thresholds, reducing continuous communication with the microcontroller and lowering system power consumption. Additional power-saving capabilities are provided through an active force mode that enables one-time measurements triggered by a single command. The device’s 12-bit proximity sensor uses intelligent cancellation to eliminate crosstalk, while a smart, adjustable persistence scheme prevents false triggers to ensure accurate sensing and faster response time.

The VCNL36758’s emitter wavelength peaks at 940 nm and has no visible “red-tail.” The device offers excellent temperature compensation from −40 °C to +85 °C. Offered in a lead (Pb)-free 10-pin molded package, the sensor is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.

Device Specification Table:

Samples and production quantities of the VCNL36758 are available now, with lead times of 16 weeks.