Intersil has introduced a light-to-digital sensor, claiming it to be industries most power efficient. The ISL29020 combines <0.015 lux sensitivity with under 65µA max operating current.

Output is provided over I²C and "the digital output is a very simple code directly proportional to lux and requires no complex algorithms", said the firm.

There are four selectable light sensitivity ranges up to 64,000 lux - enabling sensing up to direct sunlight. Packaged in a translucent six-lead ODFN package, the chip also offers 0.5µA shutdown - by software or automatically.

Applications foreseen include smart phones, GPS devices, LCD TVs, portable computing devices, automotive infotainment and displays.

More information: www.intersil.com