Revolutionary VCNT2030 Sensor: Industrial Sensing Redefined

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) has unveiled the VCNT2030, a state-of-the-art reflective optical sensor suitable for various applications, including industrial, computing, consumer, and mobile sectors. This innovation from Vishay Semiconductors offers improved performance through space-efficient design, higher Current Transfer Ratio (CTR), extended sensing range, and lower power consumption.

The VCNT2030 integrates a compact setup featuring a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and silicon phototransistor within a small surface mount package measuring 1.85 mm x 1.2 mm x 0.6 mm. The streamlined design aligns the light emitter and detector on the same plane. With its narrow ±17° emission angle, the VCSEL effectively minimizes internal crosstalk, enhancing proximity sensing even when covered by glass.

This advanced phototransistor generates an analog output signal based on the light reflected from objects within a 15 mm sensing distance – three times longer than comparable products in the market. Notably, the VCNT2030 reduces PCB space usage by over 40%, making it an efficient optical solution for various applications including smart infrastructure, controls for homes and buildings, laptops, household appliances, consumer electronics, and precision measurements.

Furthermore, the VCNT2030 serves in optical encoding for electric bicycles, golf carts, tractors, and harvesters' motor controls, as well as paper detection in printers and scanners. In these scenarios, the VCSEL's low 8mA drive current delivers comparable performance to solutions with 20mA infrared emitters, substantially reducing power consumption.

Key specifications of the sensor include a detection range from 0.3 mm to 6 mm, a 940 nm emission wavelength, and a typical output current of 2.5 mA, resulting in a typical CTR of 31% under test conditions. This figure outperforms the previous generation and competitor sensors by more than 100%. The device maintains a moisture sensitivity level (MSL) of 3 according to J-STD-020, adheres to RoHS standards, is halogen-free, and aligns with Vishay's environmental initiatives.