Renesas Electronics enters ambient illuminance market

The PH5551A2NA1 device is the company's first entry into the market for ambient illuminance sensors is designed to help improve performance and reduce power consumption. The digital ambient illuminance sensor detects the brightness of ambient light and sends a corresponding signal to a device such as a microcontroller. According to Renesas, it enables the development of more compact and precise automatic brightness adjustment or automatic on/off circuits for a range of devices. Applications include digital household appliances and electronics, mobile terminals and handsets, factory automation equipment, and lighting fixtures. Ambient illuminance sensors detect the brightness experienced by human beings and output a corresponding signal to an mcu. They are mainly used in digital devices equipped with displays to enable automatic brightness adjustment and automatic on/off control according to the level of ambient light and contribute to improved performance and reduced power consumption, for example by automatically adjusting display brightness for the best viewing experience. Traditionally, light sensors employing cadmium sulfide have been widely used, but demand for silicon semiconductor ambient illuminance sensors is growing due to the reduced environmental impact. Renesas says it has utilised its process technology, circuit technology, package technology, and manufacturing technology derived from its photo detector IC products to develop new products for the illuminance sensor market.