AMI Semiconductor Introduces Innovative Ambient Light Sensor for Consumer and Automotive Applications

POCATELLO, Idaho--AMI Semiconductor , a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products, introduces its ambient light sensor, the AMIS-74980x, for electronics displays and automotive applications. Emulating the human eye, the sensor provides an output proportional to ambient light, which allows the display controller to adjust the brightness and contrast. This not only helps reduce eyestrain from glare and reflection, but also controls power dissipation and minimizes frequent battery recharges or replacements in portable devices.

Using AMI Semiconductor’s proprietary CMOS image sensing technology, the AMIS-74980x ambient light sensor provides design flexibility and cost savings for devices with illuminated displays. It is an ideal savings solution for use in cell phones, PDAs and handheld displays, LCD monitors, portable DVD players, notebook PCs, large format LED displays, and MP3 players. In automotive applications, it is well suited for in-car entertainment video systems, GPS displays, headlamps, rearview mirrors, and dashboards.

AMI Semiconductor’s AMIS-74980x family of ambient light sensors performs equally well with light sources ranging from natural sunlight to fluorescent, conventional incandescent and halogen lamps. An important feature of the AMIS-74980x is its low dark current, enabling the display controller to adjust the brightness of the display even in low light-level environments.

"The AMIS-74980x family of ambient light sensors, with its lower cost and small form factor, benefits price- and size-sensitive mobile applications," said Jon Stoner, CTO of AMI Semiconductor. "The family offers multiple output options, programmability, an innovative way of lowering dark current, and low power consumption, which aids system designers in product development and improves the battery life of handheld devices and battery-operated consumer appliances."

Traditionally, sending text messages via cell phones or instant messages from PDAs causes the display to remain on for long periods of time, which rapidly drains battery life. With the introduction of AMI Semiconductor’s Ambient Light Sensor, consumers can communicate in a wider variety of lighting environments for longer periods of time.

Because the AMIS-74980x is an analog/digital output device, it features performance over the 3.0V to 3.6V supply voltage range, operating frequency of 10 – 100kHz, and the 0 °C to 70 °C temperature range.

The AMIS-74980x is currently available from AMI Semiconductor. The digital version of AMIS-74980x is priced at $ 0.75 (USD) in quantities of 10,000. The analog version is priced at $ 0.55 (USD) in quantities of 10,000. More information is available at www.amis.com/products/image_sensors/als/amis_74980x.html.

About AMI Semiconductor

AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal products and structured digital products, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the optimal value, quickest time-to-market semiconductor solutions. Offering unparalleled manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service, AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centers located in the key markets of the North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.