Called VCNL36825T, it can detect objects up to 200mm away through a hole as small as 1.6mm, and pulsed operation allows power to be reduced, to an average below 7μA at ~3 detections per second.
“The device’s proximity functions include an immunity to red glow and an intelligent cancellation to reduce cross talk,” according to New Yorker Electronics, which is stocking the part. A “smart persistence scheme reduces response time with a low power consumption mode and sunlight cancellation up to 100,000 lx.”
A programmable interrupt is available to wake a host processor, with upper and lower thresholds and an adjustable persistence to reduce false triggering. Regular communication is through an I2C bus communication interface for easy access to the proximity signal
Within the device, what Vishay calls ‘intelligent cancellation’ deals with cross-talk between laser and sensing diodes, removing the need for optical blinds in the external light path and for dealing with reflections from any window the sensor is mounted behind.
Operation is across 2.64 to 3.6V and -40 to +85°C.
The data sheet contains no references to mechanical installation or optical characteristics that I can find, but there is an application note that makes up for this.
New Yorker foresees use in handheld, consumer and industrial applications, particularly for detecting when ‘true wireless’ stereo ear buds are inserted into an ear.
Its VCNL36825T product page is here