VCNL36821S - 940nm IR Proximity Sensor, I2C, 300mm | Vishay
Référence : VCNL36821S ✓ Actif| Qté | Prix unitaire | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.45 | $1,45 |
| 10 | $1.28 | $12,80 |
| 100 | $1.02 | $102,00 |
| 500 | $0.84 | $420,00 |
| 1 000 | $0.71 | $710,00 |
| 3 000 | $0.55 | $1 650,00 |
VCNL36821S Présentation
A proximity sensor is a non-contact optoelectronic device that emits infrared light and measures the intensity of light reflected back from a nearby object to estimate distance. The VCNL36821S belongs to the broader category of optical/photoelectric sensors, which sit within the sensor hierarchy: proximity sensor -> optical sensor -> environmental sensor -> semiconductor IC. This category enables touchless user interfaces in handheld, wearable, and consumer electronics by replacing mechanical buttons and capacitive touch panels.
Key features include 12-bit proximity resolution, programmable IRED current up to 156 mA for adjustable range, individual high/low interrupt thresholds for power-saving wake-up, and a fixed I2C address interface with standard (100 kHz) and fast (400 kHz) modes. The integrated 940 nm IRED is invisible to the human eye and immune to sunlight interference when paired with the on-die-band optical filter. The 8-pin SMD module package is reflow-solderable per JEDEC J-STD-020 and rated MSL 3.
The architecture uses a CMOS process with on-chip photodiodes, transimpedance amplifiers, and a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC. Programmable IRED drive current allows designers to trade off range versus power consumption: lower current for short-range ear-detection in earbuds, higher current for longer-range presence detection in laptops. The interrupt engine runs autonomously in the background, allowing the host MCU to sleep until an object crosses the threshold.
Typical applications include smartphone and tablet touchless gesture control, true wireless stereo (TWS) earbud in-ear detection, laptop/lid-close detection, smart speaker user-presence wake-up, and industrial proximity sensing. The compact 8-SMD footprint fits inside space-constrained enclosures where discrete photodiodes plus analog front-end ICs would not fit.
When designing with this device, keep the IRED drive current within the 156 mA pulsed maximum and place a 1 uF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin to suppress switching transients. Use the interrupt pin rather than polling to maximize battery life.
This page synthesizes Vishay datasheet parameters, distributor pricing tiers, drop-in alternatives, and practical application notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single-page reference for design and sourcing decisions.
Alternatives de remplacement direct pour VCNL36821S — même boîtier, compatible broche à broche. Les références à boîtier différent nécessitant une retouche du PCB sont exclues.
Variantes de cette série
Modèles de la même série directement compatibles avec VCNL36821S (même facteur de forme et même empreinte) — différant par ADC Resolution, Interface, MSL Level, Operating Temperature, Package.
Outil de comparaison rapide — sélectionnez des références alternatives pour une comparaison côte à côte :
VCNL36826S
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
VCNL3030
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
VCNL4040
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
APDS-9960-210
✅ Remplacement direct✓ En stock
$1.45 / unité
Voir la fiche technique →TMD26721
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
VCNL36821S Valeurs maximales et caractéristiques électriques
| Type de capteur | Proximity Sensor with integrated IRED |
| Peak Wavelength | 940 nm |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.7 V to 3.6 V |
| IRED Drive Current (max) | 156 mA (pulsed) |
| Proximity Range | up to 300 mm |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit |
| Interface | I2C (Standard 100 kHz / Fast 400 kHz) |
| I2C Address | 0x60 (7-bit) |
| Interrupt Output | Programmable high/low thresholds, INT pin |
| Température de fonctionnement | -40 C to +85 C |
| Boîtier | 8-SMD Module |
| Type de montage | Surface Mount |
| Niveau MSL | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| Statut RoHS | Compliant |
| Process Technology | CMOS monolithic integration |
Configuration des broches de VCNL36821S
| Broche 1 | VDD — Power supply input (1.7 V to 3.6 V) |
| Broche 2 | GND — Ground reference |
| Broche 3 | SCL — I2C clock input |
| Broche 4 | SDA — I2C data line (open-drain, requires pull-up) |
| Broche 5 | INT — Interrupt output (active low, programmable thresholds) |
| Broche 6 | IRED_ANODE — Internal IR emitter anode connection |
| Broche 7 | IRED_CATHODE — Internal IR emitter cathode connection |
| Broche 8 | SHIELD — Shield/NC pin for optical isolation |
Applications typiques
VCNL36821S convient pour 7 applications: TWS Earbud In-Ear Detection, Smartphone Touchless Gesture Interface, Laptop Lid-Close and User-Presence Detection, Smart Speaker User-Presence Wake-Up, Industrial Proximity Switch, Wearable Fitness Tracker Wrist-Off Detection, Sanitary Touchless Faucet and Dispenser.
TWS Earbud In-Ear Detection
The VCNL36821S detects whether a true wireless stereo (TWS) earbud is inserted in the ear canal, enabling automatic music play/pause and battery saving when removed. Its 940 nm integrated IRED eliminates the need for an external LED, saving ~3x3 mm of PCB area critical for miniature earbud designs. Programmable IRED current up to 156 mA supports short-range (<20 mm) detection of skin reflectance with high signal margin, while the programmable interrupt wakes the BLE SoC only on insertion/removal events, minimizing average power draw to <10 uA in standby.
Recommandé
Smartphone Touchless Gesture Interface
The VCNL36821S enables touchless gesture recognition in mobile phones, allowing users to swipe or wave a hand above the screen to control calls, music, or alarms. Its 300 mm maximum range covers the typical 5-15 cm gesture interaction distance with margin, while the integrated 940 nm IRED and CMOS photodiode reject sunlight and visible-spectrum noise per Vishay's design note. The I2C interface connects directly to the smartphone's power management IC, and the programmable interrupt pin minimizes baseband processor wake-up events.
Recommandé
Laptop Lid-Close and User-Presence Detection
The VCNL36821S detects user presence in front of a laptop screen, enabling automatic display dimming or system lock when the user walks away. Its 300 mm range covers the typical 40-60 cm laptop user distance, while the I2C interface integrates with modern Intel/AMD sensor hub architectures. The CMOS monolithic integration reduces PCB area by ~50% compared to discrete photodiode-plus-LED solutions, critical for ultrabook and 2-in-1 convertible designs where Z-height and X-Y footprint are constrained.
Recommandé
Smart Speaker User-Presence Wake-Up
The VCNL36821S detects user approach to a smart speaker, waking the device from standby for voice prompt readiness. Its 940 nm wavelength is invisible to humans and pets, while the integrated IRED simplifies the BOM compared to discrete alternatives requiring external MOSFET drivers. The programmable high/low interrupt thresholds support hysteresis-based detection, reducing false wakes from pets, shadows, or curtain movement. Power consumption in standby mode is below 1 uA, extending always-on battery operation.
Recommandé
Industrial Proximity Switch
The VCNL36821S operates as a non-contact proximity switch in industrial equipment, replacing mechanical limit switches subject to wear and contamination. Its -40 C to +85 C operating range covers factory and outdoor environments, while the 300 mm range supports conveyor belt object detection and machine-tool safety curtain triggering. The I2C interface simplifies connection to industrial PLCs and embedded controllers, and the integrated IRED reduces wiring complexity versus discrete photodiode-plus-emitter solutions requiring separate power regulation.
Recommandé
Wearable Fitness Tracker Wrist-Off Detection
The VCNL36821S detects when a fitness band or smartwatch is removed from the wrist, enabling automatic heart-rate sensor shutdown to save battery and prevent skin irritation during charging. Its small 8-SMD footprint fits inside compact wearable enclosures, while the 940 nm IRED operates at safe skin-exposure limits per IEC 62471. The programmable interrupt wakes the host MCU only on wear-state transitions, and the 156 mA IRED drive current provides margin for dark-skin reflectance detection where signal return is lower.
Recommandé
Sanitary Touchless Faucet and Dispenser
The VCNL36821S enables touchless activation of faucets, soap dispensers, and paper-towel dispensers in public restrooms and food-prep environments. Its 300 mm range covers the typical 10-20 cm hand-approach distance with generous hysteresis to prevent false triggers from passing shadows. The integrated IRED eliminates the need for a separate LED driver circuit, reducing total BOM cost and assembly time. The I2C interface allows calibration in software rather than hardware potentiometer adjustment.
Recommandé
Récapitulatif des produits recommandés
Données de référence d'ingénierie pour VCNL36821S — comparaison, recommandations de conception et informations de conformité.
Guide de sélection
Comparaison avec les alternatives
| Paramètre | Ce produit | VCNL36826S | VCNL3030 | VCNL4040 | APDS-9960 | TMD26721 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Vishay | Vishay | Vishay | Vishay | Broadcom | ams OSRAM |
| Package | 8-SMD Module | 8-SMD Module - same | 8-SMD Module - same | 8-SMD Module - same | 8-SMD Module - same | 6-pin Module (smaller footprint) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.7 V to 3.6 V | 1.7 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.4 V to 3.6 V | 2.6 V to 3.6 V |
| Peak Wavelength | 940 nm | 940 nm | 940 nm | 940 nm | 850 nm (RGB+IR) | 940 nm |
| Maximum Proximity Range | 300 mm | 300 mm | ~100 mm | 200 mm | 100 mm (gesture) | 100 mm |
| IRED Drive Current | 156 mA pulsed | 156 mA pulsed | ~100 mA | 200 mA | external IR LED required | external IR LED required |
| Integrated IRED | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (external LED) | No (external LED) |
| Ambient Light Sensor | No | Yes | No | Yes (with proximity) | Yes (RGB color) | No |
| I2C Address | 0x60 | 0x60 (verify) | 0x40 | 0x60 | 0x39 | 0x39 |
Principaux différenciateurs
- Longest proximity range in 8-SMD module package family (vs VCNL3030)
- Higher IRED drive current for darker target reflectance (vs TMD26721)
- Proximity-only without ALS channel overhead (vs VCNL36826S)
Notes de conception
Estimated: at maximum 156 mA IRED pulsed current with 1.8 V supply, peak current draw per pulse is ~280 mA total including logic. Place a 1 uF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the IRED driver section. Insufficient decoupling causes IRED drive instability and reduced proximity range. Use a star-ground topology with separate analog and digital ground returns if MCU ground noise exceeds 50 mV pk-pk.
The optical window of the VCNL36821S must remain unobstructed by solder paste, conformal coating, or PCB silkscreen. Maintain at least 2 mm clearance from the optical aperture to nearby components and trace keep-out zones. Use a black-colored solder mask around the aperture to reduce optical crosstalk. If the sensor is mounted behind a device enclosure window, ensure the window material transmits >85% at 940 nm - acrylic typically attenuates 5-15%, glass 2-5%.
I2C bus pull-up resistors must be sized for the chosen bus speed: 4.7 kohm at 100 kHz Standard mode, 2.2 kohm at 400 kHz Fast mode. Total bus capacitance (including VCNL36821S ~10 pF pin capacitance plus trace capacitance) should not exceed 400 pF for Fast mode compliance. Keep I2C traces short (<50 mm) and away from switching power or IRED drive traces to prevent coupling-induced I2C errors.
Do not exceed 156 mA IRED pulsed current - this will damage the internal LED and void warranty. Do not operate VDD below 1.7 V - the internal IRED driver will not regulate and range will degrade. Do not assume the INT pin is push-pull - it is open-drain and requires external pull-up to VDD. Do not poll the proximity register continuously - use the INT pin to wake the host MCU and save 90% of active-mode current.
Informations de conformité
RoHS and REACH compliant per Vishay product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a consumer-grade part. Halogen-free per Vishay environmental compliance datasheet.
