Capella's optical sensor eliminates magnetic lid devices

Aimed at tablet computers, notebooks and smartphones, Capella is offering an optical lid sensor chip dubbed CM36262 that contains a patent-pending optical lid sensor, ambient light sensor and proximity sensor.

The lid sensor makes it easier for users to power down touch-screen products, while the ambient light sensor adjusts screen brightness to extend battery life, and the proximity sensor turns off dialing when a smartphone is held in the listening position next to an ear.

Capella's CM36262 uses a patent-pending optical approach for sensing the presence of a lid or fabric cover on touch-screen products.  This approach replaces the standard method of using magnets or mechanical switches. According to Capella, the optical method is less expensive, more reliable and makes it much easier to power down a tablet computer by using a fabric or leather cover without the need to align an embedded magnet over a pickup sensor.

Pricing: Begins at 79 cents (1,000) in an optical land grid package that measures 2.35 x 1.8 x 1 mm. 

For more information, contact Capella.