Surface Mount (SMD) Light Sensor Chips
Last Updated: January 16, 2025 Reviewed by: Mohsen Mostafaei, consulting engineer
Description
Surface Mount Light Sensor Chips are specialized electronic components designed to detect and measure ambient light intensity. These miniaturized sensors convert light energy into electrical signals through photodiodes or phototransistors embedded within a surface-mountable package. Modern SMD light sensors often include integrated analog-to-digital converters and signal processing capabilities, providing direct digital output that represents the measured light levels.
Working Principle
These sensors operate based on the photoelectric effect, where photons striking a semiconductor material generate electron-hole pairs, creating a measurable electrical current. The semiconductor junction is specifically engineered to optimize sensitivity to visible light wavelengths while minimizing response to unwanted infrared radiation. The generated photocurrent is then amplified and processed within the integrated circuit, converting the analog signal into a standardized digital output format. This enables direct communication with microcontrollers and other digital systems without requiring external signal conditioning circuitry.
Applications
SMD Light Sensors are crucial components in smartphone automatic brightness control systems, adjusting screen intensity based on ambient conditions. They're integrated into professional photography equipment for precise exposure control and white balance adjustment. In modern automotive systems, these sensors control automatic headlight activation and interior display brightness. Smart home systems utilize them for automated blind control and lighting optimization. They're essential in specialized medical equipment for blood oxygen level detection and in industrial sorting systems for detecting product defects through slight variations in reflected light.
Advantages over other Light Sensor Chips
SMD Light Sensors offer significantly reduced power consumption compared to traditional through-hole sensors, typically operating at sub-milliamp levels. Their miniature footprint, often as small as 2x2mm, allows for integration in space-constrained designs where traditional sensors wouldn't fit. They provide superior noise immunity due to integrated filtering and signal processing capabilities. Many modern SMD sensors offer programmable gain and threshold settings, enabling dynamic range adjustment without external components. Their surface mount nature allows for automated assembly, reducing manufacturing costs by up to 60% compared to manual through-hole assembly.
Limitations
Temperature sensitivity can cause measurement drift, typically 0.5% per degree Celsius. Angular response limitations often restrict accurate detection to within ±30 degrees of perpendicular. Many SMD sensors have reduced sensitivity to infrared wavelengths, making them unsuitable for specific IR detection applications. The small package size can make manual rework challenging and often requires specialized equipment. Some models exhibit significant dark current variations, affecting accuracy in low-light conditions.
Considerations
Initial costs range from $0.50 to $5.00 per unit in production quantities, with specialized versions reaching $15.00. Operating costs are minimal due to low power consumption, typically less than 1mW during active measurement. Durability is generally good, with most units rated for 10+ years of operation, though exposure to direct sunlight can degrade performance over time. Accuracy varies significantly with price point, from ±10% in basic models to ±2% in premium versions. Replacement typically requires complete PCB rework, costing $5-15 per unit in labor. Regular calibration may be necessary in precision applications, adding approximately $100-200 annually in maintenance costs for testing equipment and labor.
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Asahi Kasei Microsystems. Win Source Part Number: 860842-AK9753AE. Operating Temperature Range: -30 °C ~ 85 °C (TA). Features: Optical Sensor IR - I ²C 10-SMD Module. Package: Reel - TR. Package: 10-SMD Module. Mounting: Surface Mount. Part Status: Obsolete. Family Name:... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD); 10-SON (4.6x3.8)
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 85
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Everlight Electronics Co Ltd. Win Source Part Number: 860897-ALS-PDIC15-21B/TR8. Operating Temperature Range: -40 °C ~ 85 °C. Features: Optical Sensor Ambient 580nm Current 1206 (3216 Metric). Package: 1206 (3216 Metric). Package: Reel - TR. Mounting: Surface Mount. Family... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD); SMD
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Everlight Electronics Co Ltd. Win Source Part Number: 717639-ALS-PDIC15-21C/L230/TR8. Packaging: Tape and Reel. Type: Ambient. Mounting Style: SMD. Output Type: Current. Wavelength: 590nm. Proximity Detection: No. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Supplier Device Package: SMD. [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Tape and Reel
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Everlight Electronics Co Ltd. Win Source Part Number: 052037-ALS-PDIC17-55C/TR8. Packaging: Reel - TR. Type: Ambient. Mounting: SMD (SMT). Output Type: Current. Family Name: ALS-PDIC17-55C. Wavelength: 590nm. Proximity Detection: No. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Status: Active. [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD); SMD
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel - TR
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Panasonic Electronic Components. Win Source Part Number: 009690-AMS104Y. Packaging: Reel - TR. Type: Ambient. Mounting: SMD (SMT). Output Type: Current. Family Name: AMS104Y. Wavelength: 580nm. Proximity Detection: No. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Status: Obsolete(EOL). [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD); 4-SMD
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel - TR
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 717678-APDS-9003-020. Packaging: Reel. Type: Ambient. Mounting Style: SMD. Output Type: Voltage. Family Name: APDS-9003. Wavelength: 620nm. Proximity Detection: No. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Supplier Device Package: 6-Pin ChipLED. [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 010132-APDS-9005-020. Packaging: Reel - TR. Type: Ambient. Mounting: SMD (SMT). Output Type: Voltage. Wavelength: 500nm. Proximity Detection: No. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Status: Active. Temperature Range - Operating: -40 °C to 85... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD); 6-Pin ChipLED
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel - TR
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 800455-APDS-9008-020. Packaging: Reel package. Type: Ambient. Operating Temperature Range: -40 °C ~ 85 °C. Package: 6-SMD. Mounting: SMD. Operating Supply Voltage: 1.6 V ~ 5.5 V. Sensor Type: Light to Current. Family Name: APDS-9008. [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel package
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 120741-APDS-9120-020. Packaging: Reel - TR. Type: IR. Mounting: SMD (SMT). Output Type: Voltage. Family Name: APDS-9120. Wavelength: 950nm. Proximity Detection: Yes. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Status: Obsolete(EOL). Temperature Range -... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel - TR
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 1017908-APDS-9130-200. Packaging: Reel - TR. Type: IR. Mounting: SMD (SMT). Output Type: I2C. Wavelength: 950nm. Proximity Detection: Yes. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Status: Active. Temperature Range - Operating: -30 °C to 85... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD); Module
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel - TR
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 1146294-APDS-9190. Packaging: Reel. Type: IR. Mounting Style: SMD. Output Type: I2C. Wavelength: 850nm. Proximity Detection: Yes. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Temperature Range - Operating: -30 °C ~ 85 °C. Manufacturer Homepage:... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 1146295-APDS-9250. Packaging: Reel. Type: Ambient. Mounting Style: SMD. Output Type: I2C. Wavelength: 550nm. Proximity Detection: No. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Temperature Range - Operating: -40 °C ~ 85 °C. Manufacturer... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 861546-APDS-9251-001. Operating Temperature Range: -40 °C ~ 85 °C (TA). Features: Optical Sensor Ambient, IR 550nm I ²C 8-SMD Module. Package: 8-SMD Module. Package: Reel - TR. Mounting: Surface Mount. Family Name: APDS-9251. [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 078481-APDS-9300-020. Packaging: Reel - TR. Type: Ambient. Mounting: SMD (SMT). Output Type: I2C. Wavelength: 640nm. Proximity Detection: No. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Status: Active. Temperature Range - Operating: -30 °C to 85... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD); 6-Pin ChipLED
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel - TR
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 078482-APDS-9303-020. Packaging: Reel - TR. Type: Ambient. Mounting: SMD (SMT). Output Type: SMBus. Wavelength: 640nm. Proximity Detection: No. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Status: Active. Temperature Range - Operating: -30 °C to 85... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD); 6-Pin ChipLED
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel - TR
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 911610-APDS-9306. Operating Temperature Range: -40 °C ~ 85 °C (TA). Features: Optical Sensor Ambient 560nm I ²C 8-SMD Module. Package: Reel - TR. Package: 8-SMD Module. Mounting: Surface Mount. Part Status: Obsolete. Categories:... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 861547-APDS-9306-065. Operating Temperature Range: -40 °C ~ 85 °C (TA). Features: Optical Sensor Ambient 560nm I ²C 6-SMD Module. Package: Reel - TR. Package: 6-SMD Module. Mounting: Surface Mount. Family Name: APDS-9306. [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 808351-APDS-9500. Packaging: Reel. Type: Ambient, Gesture. Mounting Style: SMD. Output Type: I2C, SPI. Proximity Detection: Yes. Temperature Range - Operating: -20 °C ~ 70 °C. Manufacturer Package: 18-SMD Module. Popularity: Medium. [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -20 to 70
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 010135-APDS-9900. Packaging: Reel - TR. Type: Ambient. Mounting: SMD (SMT). Output Type: I2C. Wavelength: 640nm. Proximity Detection: Yes. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Status: Active. Temperature Range - Operating: -30 °C to 85... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD); 8-SMD
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel - TR
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 010136-APDS-9930. Packaging: Reel - TR. Type: Ambient. Mounting: SMD (SMT). Output Type: I2C. Family Name: APDS-9930. Wavelength: 625nm. Proximity Detection: Yes. Categories: Sensors, Transducers. Status: Active. Temperature Range - Operating:... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD); Module
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel - TR
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED. Win Source Part Number: 751880-APDS-9930-130. Manufacturer Homepage: www.avagotech.com. Reference case: SMD. Reference Date Code: 1451+. Popularity: Low. Fake Threat In the Open Market: 35 pct. Supply and Demand Status: Balance [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 768647-APDS-9930-140. Packaging: Reel package. Type: Ambient. Operating Temperature Range: -40 °C ~ 85 °C. Package: 8-SMD Module. Mounting: SMD. Output Type: I2C. Operating Supply Voltage: 2.2 V ~ 3.6 V. Family Name: APDS-9930. [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel package
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 768648-APDS-9930-200. Packaging: Reel package. Type: Ambient. Operating Temperature Range: -40 °C ~ 85 °C. Package: 8-SMD Module. Mounting: SMD. Output Type: I2C. Operating Supply Voltage: 2.2 V ~ 3.6 V. Family Name: APDS-9930. [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel package
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: Broadcom Limited. Win Source Part Number: 911611-APDS-9950. Operating Temperature Range: -30 °C ~ 85 °C. Features: Optical Sensor Ambient 525nm I ²C 8-SMD Module. Package: 8-SMD Module. Package: Reel - TR. Mounting: Surface Mount. Family Name: APDS-9950. Categories:... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD); Module
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 85
from Win Source Electronics
Manufacturer: ams. Win Source Part Number: 811012-AS7000-AAM. Packaging: Reel. Type: Ambient. Mounting Style: SMD. Output Type: I2C. Part Status: Obsolete (End Of Life). Proximity Detection: No. Supplier Device Package: Module. Temperature Range - Operating: -30 °C ~ 70 °C. Manufacturer... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 70
- Packing Method: Tape Reel; Reel
from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
SMT Photodiode with V-lambda characteristic [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
from Broadcom Inc.
The Avago APDS-9250 is a low-voltage digital RGB, IR and ambient light sensor device that converts light intensity to digital output signal. The device supports I2C-bus interface and has a programmable interrupt controller that takes minimal micro-controller (MCU) resources. The color-sensing... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Packing Method: Bulk; Tape Reel
- Applications: Industrial; OLED Display Control, RGB LED Backlight Control, Ambient Light Color Temperature Sensing
- Input Voltage: 3.8
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from First Sensor AG
Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) from First Sensor are innovative solid-state silicon detectors with single photon sensitivity. SiPMs are a valid alternative to photomultiplier tubes. The main benefits of these detectors are high gain, extremely good timing performance and low operating voltage. [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -25 to 40
- Applications: Industrial; Medical
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from Capella Microsystems, Inc.
ALS. Ambient Light Sensor (ALS). Capella's Ambient Light Sensor (ALS) is an integrated light sensing solution. It incorporates a photodiode, amplifiers and analog/digital circuits into a single chip by a CMOS process. Adoption of Capella ’s patented Filtron ™ technology allows the... [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Input Voltage: 1.7 to 3.6
- Applications: Consumer
from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
SMT PIN Photodiode with Vlambda characteristic, very linear ambient light sensor [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD-6P,2x2mm Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
High speed SMT PIN Photodiode with Vlambda characteristic, high linearity, excellent IR suppression [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD-8P Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
Ambient light sensor with V-lambda Characteristics in SMT Smart DIL package [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD-8P Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -25 to 85
- Input Voltage: 2.5 to 3.6
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
Ambient light sensor with Vlambda Characteristics in SMT Chipled Package [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
16 SMD-6P Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 70
- Input Voltage: 2.7 to 3.6
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
Ambient light sensor with improved Vlambda Characteristics in SMT Chipled Package [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD-8P Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Input Voltage: 1.7 to 3.6
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
High accuracy Ambient Light Sensor in SMT Chipled package with analog output [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD-8P Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Input Voltage: 2.5 to 3.6
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
A two-in-one digital solution: Proximity sensor and ambient light sensor in one package with I2C bus interface [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
16 SMD-4P Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Input Voltage: 2.6 to 3.6
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
A three-in-one digital solution: 850nm Proximity sensor and ambient light sensor in one package with I2C bus interface [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD-6P,2x2mm Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -25 to 85
- Input Voltage: 2.5 to 3.6
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD-4P Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -25 to 85
- Input Voltage: 2.5 to 3.6
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD-4P Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -25 to 85
- Input Voltage: 2.5 to 3.6
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
I2C SMD Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Input Voltage: 1.7 to 3.6
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD3528 Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Input Voltage: 1 to 10
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Input Voltage: 1 to 5
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from LCSC Electronics Technology (HK) Limited
SMD2835 Ambient Light Sensors ROHS [See More]
- Package / Mounting: Surface Mount (SMD)
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Input Voltage: 1 to 5
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS