August 21, 2026 / SemiMedia / — Vishay Intertechnology has introduced the Vishay Semiconductors VCNL36829UM, an integrated short-distance proximity sensor for wearable devices and other space-constrained, battery-powered consumer applications.

The VCNL36829UM integrates a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser, photodiode, application-specific integrated circuit and 16-bit analog-to-digital converter in a 1.6 mm × 1.0 mm × 0.35 mm transparent mold package. Its volume is 44% smaller than that of the previous-generation solution.

The sensor provides 14-bit proximity resolution, a detection range of up to 50 mm and sunlight immunity up to 200 klx. It operates from a 1.65 V to 2.0 V supply, with a typical rated voltage of 1.8 V, and draws 5 μA in idle mode. Maximum VCSEL driving current is 18 mA.

The device supports I²C bus voltages from 1.08 V to 3.6 V. Its smart dual I²C slave address allows two proximity sensors to operate in the same system without an additional multiplexer.

A programmable interrupt function enables designers to configure high and low detection thresholds, reducing continuous communication with the microcontroller. An internal isolation wall, intelligent crosstalk cancellation and a persistence scheme are used to improve sensing stability and response time.

The integrated VCSEL has a peak wavelength of 940 nm without a visible red tail. Target applications include wear detection in true wireless stereo earphones, VR and AR headsets and smart glasses, as well as touchless dispensers and lid detection in consumer appliances.

Samples and production quantities of the VCNL36829UM are available now, with lead times of 15 weeks.