OCTOBER 8--Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions Inc. (TAOS; Plano, TX;www.taosinc.com) plans to offer all of its optoelectronic sensor solution product families in surface-mount packages. This strategy will enable designers to incorporate light-sensing capabilities into their high-volume, low-profile applications such as hand-held toys, smoke detectors, printers and "white goods" (dishwashers, washing machines, coffee makers). The TSL250/251RD and TSL260/261RD light-to-voltage converters will be the first TAOS light-to-voltage devices available in surface-mount packages.
Until now, TAOS light-to-voltage converters have been available only in a 3-pin Side-Looker package that stands 4.8 mm high. The TSL250/251RD and TSL260/261RD light-to-voltage converters are now available in an 8-pin SOIC package that stands 1.8 mm high. "During our five-year history, TAOS has identified four specific markets--automotive, consumer, industrial and medical--as offering the best growth potential for optoelectronic sensors," said Ray King, TAOS market specialist. "Applications in these markets tend to be high-volume, low-profile applications that require surface-mount packages. TAOS believes that the plan to offer all its product lines in surface-mount packages will yield the fastest and most profitable growth track for fulfilling the potential of Lumenology--the TAOS light-sensing technology."
The TSL250RD, TSL251RD, TSL260RD and TSL261RD light-to-voltage converters each combine a photodiode and a transimpedance amplifier in a single monolithic IC. Their output voltage is directly proportional to the light intensity (irradiance) impinging on the photodiode. All four devices have improved amplifier offset-voltage stability and low-power consumption.
The TSL250RD has a high irradiance responsivity of 69 mV/μW/cm² and an output risetime of 260 μs. The less sensitive but faster TSL251RD has an irradiance responsivity of 17 mV/μW/cm² and an output risetime of 70 μs. The TSL250RD and the TSL251RD light-to-voltage converters are packaged in clear plastic, which allows a response in the spectral range from 350 to 1000 nm.
