Ambient light sensor from Intersil measures light down to 0.0019 lux

Intersil has released an ultra-low lux ambient light sensor, the ISL29033. With linear sensitivity down to 0.0019 lux. ISL29033 is suggested as ideal for very low light applications such as light sensing behind dark glass and industrial design-challenging applications where typical light sensors have insufficient sensitivity (i.e. indirect light applications).

The ISL29033 includes a lux range select feature that allows users to program the lux range for optimized sensitivity. The ISL29033 provides a hardware interrupt that remains asserted until the host clears it through the I2C interface. The function of ADC conversion continues without stopping after interrupt is asserted.

Features and Specifications as per Intersil:
· Closely matches human eye spectral response with excellent IR and UV rejection
· Simple linear output code directly proportional to lux
· Variable conversion resolution up to 16 bits
· Adjustable sensitivity up to 520 counts per lux
· Measurement range: 0.0019 to 8,000 lux with four selectable ranges
· Programmable interrupt function
· Low power consumption: 55uA typical operating current, with 0.01uA typical current in shutdown
· 6-Lead 2.0mm x 2.1mm x 0.7mm ODFN package

Applications
· Display and keypad dimming adjustment for:
o Mobile devices: smartphones, personal navigation devices
o Computing devices: notebooks, tablets
o Consumer devices: LCD TVs, digital picture frames, digital cameras
· Industrial and medical light sensing

Pricing and Availability
The ISL29033 is currently available in a 6-lead 2.0 x 2.1mm ODFN package, with prices starting at $1.31 each in 1,000-unit quantities.
More information at http://www.intersil.com/products/ISL29033