Ambient Light Sensors

General Application Note

Abstract
This application note introduces ambient • Automatic dimming of instruments in
light sensing on a general level. The automobiles to ensure reliable visibility
different types of ambient light sensors are under all circumstances.
described and related to specific
applications. • Automatic dimming of lamps for office
buildings, exterior lightings and traffic
Introduction signals.

• Headlamp control in cars improves road

OSRAM OS offers a variety of ambient light
safety by automatically turning on the
sensors. This application note introduces the
lights in twilight or when entering a
basic facts of ambient light sensing and
tunnel.
describes the characteristics of various
ambient light sensors. Detailed application
notes for specific sensor types are available. Basic facts about ambient light
sensing
Applications for ambient light
Brightness
sensors
Brightness is a term that describes how
Ambient light sensors are photo detectors
intense a light source is perceived by the
which are designed to perceive brightness in
human eye. Brightness is measured in units
the same way as human eyes do. They are
called “LUX”. Light sources with the same
used wherever the settings of a system have
LUX level appear at the same brightness to
to be adjusted to the ambient light conditions
the human eye. Table 1 shows the bright-
as perceived by humans. The below list
ness (LUX measurement) of some everyday
describes typical applications for ambient
light sources. The technical term for
light sensors:
brightness is illuminance.
• Saving battery power. Light source brightness
Ambient light sensors provide power [Lux]
saving solutions for hand-held electronic
candle (1m distance) 1
devices such as PDAs, mobile phones
street light 20
and notebook PCs. Nearly all LCD
office desk lighting 750
displays and keypads have backlighting.
Studies have shown that backlighting is overcast day 3000
only required about 40% of the time. An overcast sunny day 20 000
automatic adjustment (auto dimming) of direct sunlight 100 000
the backlight offers considerable power
savings. Table 1: Lux measurement of every day
light sources.
• Automatic dimming of flat panel displays
Spectral sensitivity
such as LCD screens to maintain the
same display appearance under all
Spectral sensitivity relates to where on the
lighting conditions from darkness to
light spectrum a sensor is most effective.
bright sunlight.

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