Summary of Maxim aims to make sensor technology pervasive
The MAX44005 is a highly integrated optical sensor IC combining RGB, ambient light (clear), ambient IR, IR proximity, and temperature sensors with seven parallel ADCs. It offers low-power operation (as low as 0.01µA shutdown; 10–15µA in sensing modes), high sensitivity (0.001 lux), programmable gains and interrupt thresholds, and an integrated single-pulse IR LED driver for efficient proximity sensing and sunlight/noise rejection. Packaged in 2 × 2 × 0.6 mm, it targets smartphones, digital lighting, security, and medical applications.
Parts used in the MAX44005 Project:
- MAX44005 optical sensor IC (7-in-1: R, G, B, ALS, ambient IR, IR proximity, temperature)
- 1.8V supply voltage source
- Microcontroller or host with I2C interface
- IR LED for proximity single-pulse drive (integrated driver referenced)
- PCB footprint for 2mm x 2mm x 0.6mm optical package
- Optional bypass and decoupling capacitors for power rail
- Pull-up resistors for I2C SDA and SCL lines
- Mechanical enclosure or optical window for sensor exposure
Description
The MAX44005 integrates 7 sensors in one product: red, green, blue (RGB) sensors; an ambient light (clear) sensor; a temperature sensor; an ambient infrared sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor with an I²C interface. This highly integrated optical sensor includes a temperature sensor to improve reliability and performance.
The IC computes all the light information with parallel data converters to make simultaneous light measurement in a very short time. The chip consumes only 15µA in RGBC + IR mode and operates at 1.8V supply voltage.
The IC’s RGB sensing capability improves the performance of end products by providing robust and precise information for ambient color sensing and color temperature measurement.
The integrated proximity sensor uses a single-pulse LED scheme to achieve very low power consumption. This method also improves sunlight rejection and 50Hz/60Hz noise to deliver reliable proximity measurements. With this technology, the IC is a perfect solution for touch-screen portable devices and presence detection applications.
Key Features
- Optical Sensor Fusion for True Color Sensing
- 7 Parallel ADCs
- R, G, B, IR, ALS, Proximity Sensing
- Temperature Sensing
- Superior Sensitivity
- 0.001 Lux
- Optimized for System Power Efficiency
- 10µA in Ambient Mode
- 15µA in RGBC + IR Mode
- 0.01µA in Shutdown Mode
- Integrated 1-Pulse IR LED Driver for Proximity Sensing
- Improved Sensitivity and Power Saving
- Sunlight Rejection
- Digital Functionalities
- Programmable Channel Gains
- Adjustable Interrupt Thresholds
- High-Level Integration
- 7 Sensors in a 2mm x 2mm x 0.6mm Package
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced digital optical sensors that integrate up to seven sensors into one optical package.
Designed for use in smartphones, digital light management, security systems, and medical devices, the optical sensors measure red/green/blue (RGB) light levels, ambient visible light (ALS), proximity to the sensor, ambient infrared (IR) levels, and temperature.
“There is a progression of trends toward a world where everything is connected, where sensors become pervasive and technology virtually disappears,” said Chae Lee, senior v-p of Maxim’s Mobility Group.
The MAX44006/MAX44008 devices integrate RGB color sensors plus an ALS (clear), an ambient IR, and temperature sensors.
The MAX44005 includes an RGB color sensor plus an ALS (clear), ambient IR, IR proximity, and temperature sensors.
They are available in a 2mm x 2mm x 0.6mm optical package.
For more read: Maxim aims to make sensor technology pervasive
- What sensors are integrated in the MAX44005?
The MAX44005 integrates red, green, blue (RGB) sensors, an ambient light (clear) sensor, an ambient infrared sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, and a temperature sensor. - What interface does the MAX44005 use to communicate with a host?
The MAX44005 uses an I2C interface for communication with a host. - What supply voltage does the MAX44005 operate at?
The MAX44005 operates at a 1.8V supply voltage. - How low is the power consumption of the MAX44005?
The MAX44005 consumes 10µA in ambient mode, 15µA in RGBC + IR mode, and 0.01µA in shutdown mode. - What is the sensitivity of the MAX44005 ambient light measurement?
The MAX44005 offers superior sensitivity down to 0.001 lux. - Does the MAX44005 include a proximity LED driver?
Yes, the MAX44005 includes an integrated 1-pulse IR LED driver for proximity sensing. - What package size is the MAX44005 available in?
The MAX44005 is available in a 2mm x 2mm x 0.6mm optical package. - Can the MAX44005 reject sunlight and mains noise for proximity sensing?
Yes, the single-pulse LED scheme improves sunlight rejection and 50Hz/60Hz noise rejection for reliable proximity measurements. - Are there programmable digital features in the MAX44005?
Yes, the MAX44005 provides programmable channel gains and adjustable interrupt thresholds.
