Avago introduces low-cost ambient-light photo sensor

San Jose, CA--Avago Technologies has introduced a new version of its analog-output ambient-light photo sensor that helps to conserve power and extend the life of LCD screens in portable display devices. These low-cost sensors control the backlighting in portable LCD display applications based on predetermined conditions set by the manufacturer. The APDS-9004 offers a power-savings solution for notebook PCs, portable DVD players, camcorders, digital cameras, and mobile phones. It can also be used for turning on/off indoor and outdoor lighting, street lighting and electronic signs and signals.

The APDS-9004 sensor detects the ambient light level and provides a highly linear proportional output that is used to adjust the backlighting of a display screen or keypad. If there is sufficient ambient light, designer-provided logic can turn off the backlighting to reduce battery recharges or replacements.

The low-cost reverse-mount photo sensor offers additional flexibility to designers of price- and size-sensitive mobile products. The ultra-small APDS-9004 sensor offers a combination of excellent performance with significant power savings, which is an increasingly important issue with today's battery-powered products.