ams OSRAM Optical Force Sensing

More About ams OSRAM

Innovative switching technologies are transforming controls on electric devices to be sensitive, multimodal, reliable, hygienic, stylish, and cost-effective. Optical force sensing from ams OSRAM enables possibilities for multimodal controls, also featuring context-sensitive appearances. The sensor measures precisely the force applied on the surface (soft-, medium-, and hard presses). In combination with infrared-transparent surfaces, the sensor can support touch and proximity functions.

The operating principle consists of an LED emitter and photodetector pair in a time-synchronized measurement cycle and in an optically isolated all-in-one package. The LED emits short pulses of light, which are back-reflected from the surface and collected by the photodetector. If there is a mechanical force applied to the surface by pressing the control, it causes a microscopic deformation that alters the number of back-reflected photons seen by the photodetector. The less space there is between the emitter and photodiode, the better the signal resolution. Optical force sensing from ams OSRAM provides this solution in one package to ensure highly reliable and accurate measurement.

Features

Optical force
- Measures the deformation of µm on an infrared reflective surface while the user pushes it
- Force intensity (soft-, medium- or hard-push) is reliably detected by the sensing system
Optical touch - detects when a surface is touched without pushing (zero-force activation) on semi-transparent surfaces or near-infrared light
Proximity in combination with semi-transparent surfaces and a near-infrared emitter
- Measures the touchless presence of a user
- Function can enable context-sensitive switch appearance for focus control, or let the control vanish when it is not needed
Supports the design of control elements that require defined force levels to qualify for intended activation

Supports any non-transparent surface materials, including metal
Provides inherent galvanic isolation and maximum immunity to EMI / ESD
Provides flexibility in layout and function of control elements with the option for seamless transitioning between discrete button or continuous slider operation, supports even multi-level controls according to applied force
Cost-efficient BoM and end-product assembly as the surface does not require electrical contact to the PCB
Extended use-case in combination with semi-transparent surfaces for optical touch or proximity-based controls
Unlocks maximum redundancy in functional safety critical designs, when paired with capacitive sensing technologies