Product category:
Proximity Sensors
News Release from: Panasonic Electric Works UK | Subject: Panasonic NaPiCa
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 04 February 2005
Photoelectric sensor matches the human
eye
Measuring a minute 2 x 3mm, the Panasonic NaPiCa sensor offers the designer a device with sensitivity that matches the human eye.
Panasonic's NaPiCa sensor represents the latest photoelectric sensor technology Measuring a minute 2 x 3mm, the product offers the designer a device with sensitivity that matches the human eye
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 12 Mar 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Ideal for a variety of domestic and commercial applications, the NaPiCa can detect ambient light levels that allow devices in which it is used to provide a more comfortable environment for the user.
Compliant with RoHS standards, this cadmium- and lead-free sensor is designed to detect luminous energy with a spectral response, similar to that of the human eye with peak sensitivity occurring at 580nm.
The NaPiCa is ideal for portable, or battery-driven circuits with its ability to operate on a wide range of voltages from 1.5 to 6V DC, with a quiescent current demand of only 0.3uA.
Offering 10uA for a low light level to 260uA for a high light level, the sensor's current output can be used as a drive level signal for either microprocessor or integrated amplifier inputs.
Typical applications include energy conservation applications detecting luminance levels in both domestic and commercial environments.
Security functions such as corridor lighting, room brightness levels and camera installations also fall into this category.
However, with its small size, the sensor can also be utilised in a vast number of local applications, such as automatic laptop display brightness controls, mobile phone displays, PDA's, in-car navigation systems and computer screens.
The NaPiCa sensor is an ideal tool for the sensing of domestic light applications within the growing sector of home automation.
It could be used both in the control of the actual lighting levels, as well as to provide remote signals that could be utilised to close blinds, operate electrical equipment or activate a range of lifestyle electronic systems.
The NaPiCa sensor is a 4-pin surface mount device and is supplied in a tape-and-reel package.
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