RPR-0730 - 940nm IrVCSEL Analog Photoreflector | ROHM
MPN: RPR-0730 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.65 | $26.50 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.85 | $925.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.52 | $1,520.00 |
RPR-0730 Overview
What is a photoreflector? A photoreflector (also called a reflective optical sensor or photo interrupter-reflective type) is an optoelectronic device that combines a light emitter (typically an IR LED or VCSEL) and a photodetector (phototransistor, photodiode, or analog front-end IC) in a single package oriented so that the emitter beam reflects off a target surface back into the detector. Photoreflectors belong to the broader category of optical sensors within the sensor hierarchy: photoreflector -> optical proximity sensor -> reflective photosensor -> optoelectronic sensor -> electronic component. They are widely used for non-contact presence, distance, and surface detection where a simple binary or analog reading is sufficient.
Key features of the RPR-0730 include a proprietary 940nm VCSEL emitter (replacing conventional IR LEDs for superior directionality and lower power consumption), a typical sensing distance of 10 mm, an analog output proportional to reflected light intensity, an ultra-compact SMD footprint, and integrated optical filtering tuned to the VCSEL wavelength to reject ambient light. The VCSEL architecture offers narrower spectral bandwidth and a more tightly collimated beam than a typical 940nm LED, improving signal-to-noise ratio in daylight and under fluorescent lamp interference.
Typical applications include human proximity detection in sanitary equipment (faucets, soap dispensers, hand dryers, toilet flush valves), paper/end-of-tape detection in printers and ATMs, object detection on industrial conveyors, and energy-saving wake/sleep control for displays and appliances. The analog output allows threshold-based triggering with a single comparator or, with an ADC, continuous distance estimation within the useful range.
When designing with the RPR-0730, mount the sensor so the optical axis is perpendicular to the target surface and provide a dust/condensation-free optical window, since the analog output is sensitive to both surface reflectance and contamination. Decouple VCC with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor close to the pins and use the analog output through a transimpedance amplifier or comparator to convert photocurrent into a usable logic level.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package details, and practical design guidance for the RPR-0730 beyond the datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for RPR-0730 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
RPR-0521RS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
RPR-220
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
VCNL36826S
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
APDS-9190
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TMF8801
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
RPR-0730 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Sensor Type | Reflective Optical Sensor (Photoreflector), Analog Output |
| Emitting Wavelength | 940 nm (infrared VCSEL) |
| Emitter Type | IrVCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) |
| Detector Type | Phototransistor |
| Sensing Distance | 0.394" (10 mm) typical |
| Output Type | Analog (photocurrent proportional to reflected light) |
| Package | 6-SMD, No Lead |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per ROHM product page) |
| Lead-Free | Yes (per DigiKey listing) |
RPR-0730 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC / VCSEL Anode — Supply voltage / VCSEL anode (per datasheet pinout) |
| Pin 2 | VCSEL Cathode — VCSEL cathode (LED drive return) |
| Pin 3 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 4 | OUT (Collector) — Phototransistor collector / analog output |
| Pin 5 | EMITTER — Phototransistor emitter |
| Pin 6 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
RPR-0730 is suitable for 6 applications: Sanitary / Bathroom Fixtures, Printer / ATM Paper Detection, Industrial Conveyor / Object Detection, Display Wake-Up / Energy-Saving Control, Vending Machine Product Sensing, Smart Home / IoT Battery Devices.
Sanitary / Bathroom Fixtures
The RPR-0730 detects hand or user approach in touchless faucets, soap dispensers, hand dryers, and automatic toilet flush valves, replacing mechanical push buttons with reliable hygiene-friendly sensing. The 940 nm IrVCSEL provides a tightly collimated beam that minimizes false triggers from stray reflections off stainless steel or porcelain surfaces at 10 mm typical range, while the analog output is read directly by a comparator to switch a solenoid valve at <1 ms response. Low VCSEL drive current extends battery life in solar or battery-powered installations.
Recommended
Printer / ATM Paper Detection
Inside thermal printers, ATMs, and POS terminals the RPR-0730 senses the presence of paper, labels, or card media by detecting reflected IR from the print medium. The 940 nm VCSEL's narrow spectral bandwidth and high-speed phototransistor deliver crisp edges for paper-out and end-of-tape detection even under the paper's own thermal printhead illumination. The 6-SMD footprint fits inside compact paper paths where a 10 mm reflection window is available.
Recommended
Industrial Conveyor / Object Detection
On factory conveyors the RPR-0730 detects the presence of small parts, bottles, or packages moving through a station, replacing mechanical limit switches with a non-contact, wear-free sensor. The IrVCSEL's high ambient-light rejection allows reliable operation under fluorescent factory lighting and near IR-curing lamps, while the analog output is sampled by an ADC to discriminate object size or reflectivity. The 6-SMD, no-lead package withstands vibration and is compatible with conformal coating.
Recommended
Display Wake-Up / Energy-Saving Control
Consumer TVs, monitors, and information kiosks use the RPR-0730 to detect a viewer's presence and wake the display from standby, reducing power consumption when no one is watching. The 10 mm range is sized for the front bezel; the analog output drives a comparator that toggles the panel backlight and main SoC rails via a power management IC. Compared with a PIR motion sensor the photoreflector adds direction-aware (line-of-sight) detection so the display does not wake on hallway traffic.
Recommended
Vending Machine Product Sensing
Vending machines use the RPR-0730 to detect whether a product has been dispensed by sensing reflection from the delivery tray, eliminating false vend signals. The 940 nm VCSEL rejects ambient daylight through the machine's glass front, and the 6-SMD form factor fits beside the tray's actuator coil. Analog output is read by the vending controller's ADC to confirm vend completion before crediting the purchase.
Recommended
Smart Home / IoT Battery Devices
Battery-powered smart-home devices such as night lights, under-cabinet strips, and door sensors use the RPR-0730 to detect motion or door state and wake the radio only when needed, extending coin-cell or Li-ion battery life to multiple years. The IrVCSEL's low drive current (~few mA pulsed) keeps standby power below 10 uA, while the analog output feeds an MCU comparator that wakes the BLE/Zigbee SoC. The 6-SMD package is reflow-compatible with standard lead-free profiles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for RPR-0730 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | RPR-0521RS | RPR-220 | VCNL36826S | APDS-9190 | TMF8801 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 6-SMD, No Lead | 6-SMD (same family) | 6-SMD (same family) | 6-SMD (different pinout) | 6-SMD (different pinout) | 6-SMD (different pinout) |
| Brand | ROHM Semiconductor | ROHM Semiconductor | ROHM Semiconductor | Vishay Intertechnology | Broadcom | ams OSRAM |
| Emitter Type | 940 nm IrVCSEL | IR LED | IR LED | IR VCSEL | IR LED | VCSEL (ToF) |
| Output Interface | Analog | I2C (digital) | Analog | I2C (digital) | I2C (digital) | I2C (digital) |
| Detector | Phototransistor | Photodiode + IC | Phototransistor | Photodiode + IC | Photodiode + IC | SPAD array |
| Ambient Light Rejection | High (narrow VCSEL beam) | Medium | Medium | High | High | Very high |
Key Differentiators
- IrVCSEL emitter with superior directionality vs LED (vs RPR-220)
- Simple analog output - no I2C/MCU needed (vs VCNL36826S / APDS-9190)
- Ultra-compact 6-SMD no-lead footprint (vs RPR-0521RS)
Design Notes
Mount the RPR-0730 so its optical axis is perpendicular to the target surface and provide a clear optical window free of dust, condensation, and opaque labels. The 6-SMD no-lead package requires careful PCB land pattern design (see ROHM datasheet recommended footprint) and reflow profile compatible with J-STD-020. Keep the analog output trace short and guarded from VCSEL drive traces to avoid coupling the pulsed emitter current into the phototransistor signal.
Decouple VCC with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the VCC and GND pins. The IrVCSEL emitter is current-driven; using a constant-current source (or a series resistor chosen for the desired forward current) prevents optical output variation with supply voltage and improves ambient-light rejection. Avoid driving the VCSEL with PWM unless required for very-low-power duty-cycled sensing, since PWM modulation adds complexity to the analog signal conditioning.
The phototransistor collector output is high-impedance and sensitive to leakage; use a transimpedance amplifier or a comparator with low input bias current and place a feedback capacitor to set the bandwidth below the VCSEL drive modulation (if used). Route the analog output away from switching power and digital clock traces. Add a guard ring tied to ground around the phototransistor pin on the PCB to reduce surface leakage in humid environments (e.g. sanitary fixtures).
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per ROHM product page and DigiKey listing. AEC-Q100 not applicable (consumer/industrial sensor, not automotive-qualified). Halogen-free status not stated in the verified data.
