Plano-based Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions, Inc. (TAOS), a supplier of digital ambient light sensors to the smartphone and HDTV markets, announced the first members of its next generation digital ambient light sensor (ALS) and proximity detection family that is designed to provide consumer electronics manufacturers with greater freedom to produce sleeker, more appealing and innovative product designs. These latest TAOS devices eliminate the need to use clear glass/plastic in front of the sensor or drill holes/slots into the display, bezel or frame in order for light to reach the sensor.

 
Specifically designed to operate behind darkened glass or other translucent materials, the TSL2771 device family provides both ambient light sensing and proximity detection in a single device that consumes far less power than currently available comparable solutions. Proximity detection is ideally suited for touch screen smart phones to automatically turn off the display or control other user functions and can also be used in laptops, desktop computers and monitors to conserve energy or maintain information privacy when the user is not present. Other emerging applications for proximity sensing technology include touchless display controls activation and management as well as human gesture detection.

“The need for ambient light sensors to operate behind darkened glass or other translucent materials has emerged as a critical requirement in today’s consumer electronic products,” said Carlo Strippoli, TAOS, Inc. vice president of sales and marketing. “Consumers have become increasingly sophisticated and manufacturers need a way to be able to deliver sleeker, more compelling designs while still being able to deliver the benefits of improved picture quality and reduced energy consumption that digital ambient light sensors provide. Our next generation of high sensitivity digital ambient light and proximity devices – the latest addition to the TAOS, Inc. Display Management Solutions portfolio – delivers in both areas to help consumer electronics manufacturers design more appealing ‘green’ products.”