The six new devices released today offer designers a choice of three package styles. Transmit and receive functions are accomplished by using proven emitter and detector technology pioneered by Vishay Telefunken. By integrating the preamplifier of the receiver and the driver stage of the transmitter, the new devices combine the functions of two ICs and eliminate a large number of discrete components.
Many competitive solutions require up to nine discretes.
The new Vishay Telefunken products, by contrast, require as few external components as a current-limiting resistor and bypass capacitor. To minimize power consumption and prolong battery life in notebooks, palmtops, PDAs, and digital still and video cameras, the new devices are specified for a supply currents of 3 milliamps while operating and just 1 microamp in shutdown mode. A split power supply design allowing transmitter and receiver to be powered independently further saves on battery life. A table on the following page summarizes device packaging and output options. Internal automatic gain control circuitry ensures maximum sensitivity, even with a high level of optical interference.