- AMS’ proximity and light sensing solution aims to provide narrow bezel for wider display in smartphones
- The solution is low-cost, gives ultra-high sensitivity and offers superior proximity performance
AMS, a supplier of high-performance sensor solutions, has claimed to launch a small integrated ambient light sensor (ALS) and proximity detection module that will enable mid-range mobile handset OEM’s to develop mobile devices with virtually bezel-less displays.
Integrated sensor
The TMD2755 provides a complete integrated 3-in-1 sensor solution, reducing board space requirements and enabling a best-in-class low-profile system design. It combines a low-power VCSEL emitter (with integrated, factory calibrated driver), an IR photodetector and ambient light sensor in a narrow footprint and low profile 0.6mm height package.
The module’s footprint of just 1.1mm x 3.25mm is 40 per cent smaller than conventional 3-in-1 (IR emitter + IR detector + ambient light sensor) modules on the market. Just 0.6mm high, the TMD2755 is also 64 per cent smaller in volume.
Narrow bezel support
By enabling the proximity and light-sensing function in a narrower bezel, the TMD2755 supports increased viewable display area as a proportion of body size, which helps in enhancing the consumer appeal of smartphones in the mid-range segment of the market.
Due to narrow-bezel, a large air gap between the proximity/light sensor and the cover glass is obtained. The TMD2755 is ideally suited for smartphones where the gap between the display and edge of the phone is less than 1mm and where the sensor is buried deeper in the phone, therefore, requiring a ‘large air gap’ solution.
With offset emitter/detector alignment, the sensor solution can reside far away from the touch panel glass and only require a small slot width in the glass for optical operation. The device features high proximity crosstalk compensation and supports operation behind highly-diffusive glass by compensating for unwanted reflected crosstalk. It also provides accurate and stable measurement under dark glass in low light-level environments.
Low-cost
The TMD2755 eliminates the need for a light pipe and interposer and the cost of two separate sensors, therefore reducing the total bill of materials cost. Also, phone makers can easily implement a single optical sensing solution based on the TMD2755 across multiple phone models.
“The TMD2755, with its narrow package coupled with low noise, ultra-high sensitivity and superior proximity performance, has been designed to deliver the best price/performance product for large air gap designs while maximizing the screen-to-body ratio for narrow-bezel handsets,” said Jian Liu, Strategic Marketing Director in the Integrated Optical Sensors business line at ams.
The TMD2755 proximity/ambient light sensor module is available for sampling.
