Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas Announces Two New Distance Measuring Sensors for Touchless Sanitation Applications

Camas, Wash, October 27, 2006: Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas announces the availability of two new Distance Measuring Sensors. Sharp developed these highly reliable sensors for commercial touchless plumbing fixtures such as soap dispensers, faucets, and paper towel dispensers. They are migrating into homes as well because these fixtures help minimize the spread of germs, are user friendly, control water and product use, and have great aesthetic appeal.

The industry-first external STANDBY pin on both sensors (GP2Y0D805Z0F and GP2Y0D810Z0F), when activated, cuts current consumption to 5 µA (TYP.). The pin allows the fixture to limit the number of hours the device remains “on”. Supported supply voltage are 2.7V to 6.2V, making them ideal for battery-powered applications. They come in two popular sensing distances, 5 cm and 10 cm.

These new Distance Measuring Sensors offer accuracy, longevity, and simple design-in, plus cost less than previously used sensors. Being fully integrated eliminates component drift, and provides extremely high component reliability compared to a discrete solution. Sharp’s sensors rely on rely on the principle of triangulation instead of reading the intensity of reflected light, so sensing is consistently accurate, regardless of sensed object color.

Greatly Simplified Engineering

Sharp’s Distance Measuring Sensors feature special packaging that combines both the Emitter and Detector in one simple device. Mechanical engineering is simplified because the devices are pre-focused. Detection is not based upon the intensity of returned light, but rather geometry, resulting in robust performance that is independent of the sensed object’s reflectivity. The 4 degree average emission angle yields high sense accuracy since the tighter the emission beam angle, the more accurate the performance. Electronic engineering becomes much simpler without estimating degradation of the Emitter and Detector over time, and the trigger distance won’t drift with degradation, as with intensity-based sensing.

“Automatic fixtures are becoming increasingly popular as people become more concerned with the spread of disease and with green issues. Our two new Distance Measuring Sensors let designers create automatic fixtures with both aesthetic appeal and simple operation,” said Eric Sunderhaus, Optoelectronics Product Manager for Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas. “Sharp’s Optoelectronics leadership and innovations give engineers the assurance of highly reliable sensors and greater design flexibility at a good price.”

Specifications

Price and Availability

The GP2Y0D805Z0F and the GP2Y0D810Z0F are currently in production. Pricing is available upon request.

The GP2Y0D805Z0F and the GP2Y0D810Z0F are RoHS* compliant, continuing Sharp’s track record of developing environmentally-sound products and in following eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

Sharp maintains industry leadership through a complete lineup of sensors that are among the most reliable in the industry, using advanced engineering and manufacturing processes based on more than 20 years of experience developing optoelectronic products. More information about its sensor products can be found at http://www.sharpsma.com.

About Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas
Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas, in Camas, Washington, is the U.S.-based microelectronics sales and marketing unit of Japan's Sharp Corporation. Sharp is a worldwide developer of innovative technologies that are leading the next generation of electronic products for consumer and business markets. Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas offers forward-thinking LCD, Optoelectronics, Memory, Imager, and RF/IR components. Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas offers these products along with packaging and integration skills that help design engineers throughout North and South America bring their aspirations to market. Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas is dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to quality, value, and design. For more information, visit www.sharpsma.com.

 
*The Restriction of Hazardous substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ROHS) Directive (2002/95/EC). This directive took effect July 1, 2006.

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