Silent Optical High-precision 4-direction Sensor in Thin Package

ROHM has developed the RPI-1040, an optical surface-mount 4-direction sensor with a profile 67% thinner than current models. The new sensor detects up, down, left, and right movement in 90° intervals using an in-house infrared LED, 2 phototransistors, and light blocking mechanism. Simple and instantaneous direction detection is enabled, linked to the movement of the device. No special operation is required. In addition, a novel architecture is utilized to ensure silent operation, eliminating the need for soundproofing and increasing design flexibility.

Optical sensors are not susceptible to either vibration or magnetic fields, making them superior to mechanical and magnetic 4-way sensors and the preferred choice in portable devices. However, there is one disadvantage - they are difficult to miniaturize. Until now. The RPI-1040 sets a milestone in sensor thickness by achieving a profile of just 0.8 mm – the world’s thinnest – making it not only ideally compatible with digital cameras, digital photo frames, and portable TVs, but mobile phones and increasingly compact next-generation devices as well.

ROHM