Optical Sensors Product Line

ROHM offers a range of optical sensors that consists of IR LEDs and phototransistors to fully integrated photointerrupter modules.

IR LEDs and transistor sensor products are offered in packages ranging from through hole packages to very small low profile (0.8 mm) SMD top view and side view packages, all featuring ambient light resistance with wide or narrow viewing angles. These devices are suitable for remote control transmitters, games, security, industrial applications, and proximity detection.

Integrated products such as photointerrupters and reflectors are offered in a variety of package sizes and different gap and slit widths. High accuracy detection due to double molding technology makes them ideal for printer applications, including paper/door detection and motor rotation/position sensing.

Tilt sensors offered in small, low profile, low noise SMD packages are applicable for orientation detection and image rotation in digital cameras, cell phones, tablet computers, and other handheld devices.

ROHM’s SIM-030ST and SIM-040ST are high-performance IR LEDs ideally suited for proximity sensor applications. These surface-mount IR LEDs feature breakthrough IR wavelength technology providing peak output of 870 nm, compared to 950 nm for comparable devices. The 870 nm level is much closer to the peak wave sensitivity of phototransistors (sensors), thus achieving higher efficiency proximity sensing and energy savings of up to 66 percent. In addition, the small package footprint and low-profile further enhance their application in cell phones and other portable devices. The following table highlights ROHM’s surface-mount and through-hole IR LEDs with wavelengths between 850 nm and 950 nm.

ROHM’s lineup of phototransistors feature visible light filtering and wide viewing angles which provide high sensitivity. Surface-mount and through-hole packages are available as well as side-view and reverse-mount options. When a phototransistor such as the RPT-34PB3F is paired with the IR LED SIR-34ST3F, it makes an ideal optical receiver and transmitter for control equipment. SML-810TB features high gain and collector current. This molded type chip is ideal for reverse mounting. Other features include low profile, accurate positioning, and it saves board space. This sensor is ideally suited for SMD reflow assembly applications. SCM-014TB features high gain and collector current. This top-view molded chip is designed for automatic mounting and SMD reflow assemblies. Other features include high sensitivity, 800 nm peak wavelength, and outstanding ambient light filtering. This sensor is also ideal for photo sensing and motion sensing applications. RPM-012PB is an ultra-compact side-view chip sensor. It’s ideal for high sensitivity optical remote control applications when used in combination with the SIM-012SB emitter. Features include high power lens and ultra-compact surface mount package. Reflow is possible.

Photointerruptors integrate an IR LED with a IR phototransistor into one module for optical detection. ROHM’s line of photointerruptors include both transmission and reflective types. Transmission type Photointerruptors feature groove gaps from 0.8 mm to 2 mm and slit widths from 0.15 mm to 0.4 mm. Both surface-mount and through-hole devices are available and are ideal for mini industrial sensors, copiers and digital video cameras.

ROHM’s RPI-1035 4-directional sensor is based on a new ”Optical” solution for tilt sensing. This device receives less influence from vibration than the mechanical type device and is also free from magnetic influence unlike the magnetic type device -- so this device detects up/down in four directions accurately. RPI-1035 is an optical surface mount 4-way detection sensor with one IR LED and two phototransistors for detecting orientation, rotation, or fall in a variety of applications. Features include a thin package; silent, noise-free operation; shielded from vibration, magnetic and RF noise; and high precision detection. This tilt sensor is suitable for cell phone, digital camera, portable audio, iron, and heating fan applications.