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APPLICATIONS
Optoelectronic Solutions for Automotive Applications
Discover a world of possibilities with our extensive range of optoelectronic solutions designed specifically for automotive applications. From infrared emitters, photodetectors, proximity and ambient light sensors, and transistor couplers to SSRs, voltage converters, gate drivers, and visible LEDs, our components are essential to innovation. As the industry shifts towards electrification, reliability is paramount. That's why we’ve developed a rigorous Automotive Grade quality standard to ensure our products can withstand the toughest conditions. Explore our interactive display to see how our solutions can elevate your design.
To explore all the applications, click on the orange hotspots below to learn more.
Wall Box
Feedback Loop
Grid power, e.g. 230 VAC or 110 VAC, is converted into a high voltage DC signal, which is used to charge the main car battery. The optocoupler allows for an isolated measurement of the output voltage that is used by the control IC to regulate the voltage.
Automotive Transistor Coupler – AEC-Q102, 125 °C
VOLA617A
8 mm Creepage
800 V
Coming soon
VOWA617A
10.8 mm Creepage
1500 V
Coming soon
Feedback Loop
LVDC can be generated from the AC grid to power functions such as displays and sensors in the charging station.
A long distance proximity sensor can activate a display on approach.
Protection
Automotive SSR – AEC-Q102, 125 °C
VORA1010M4
100 V SSR
VOR1060M4
600 V SSR
VORA1150B4
1500 V SSR
Coming soon
Isolated short circuit detection can be implemented with two Hyphenate solid-state relays. Alternate switching of the SSR against ground will reveal any possible short circuit potential before the car is started and circuitry is connected to the main battery.
Onboard Charger
Grid power, e.g. 230 VAC or 110 VAC, is converted into a high voltage DC signal, which is used to charge the main car battery. The optocoupler allows for an isolated measurement of the output voltage that is used by the control IC to regulate the voltage.
Feedback Loop
Higher creepage distances allow for higher isolation voltages. For example, the VOMA617 can be used in 400 V systems and VOWA / VOLA in > 800 V systems.
Two way onboard chargers allow the car battery to be used as energy storage for the grid system. The OBC can then generate an AC signal to feed back into the grid.
VOLA617A
8 mm Creepage
800 V
Coming soon
VOWA617A
10.8 mm Creepage
1500 V
Coming soon
Voltage Converter
Feedback Loop
The onboard voltage (typically 48 V) is generated through a voltage converter. The coupler-isolated feedback loops can be used to monitor to output signal.
VOLA617A
8 mm Creepage
800 V
Coming soon
VOWA617A
10.8 mm Creepage
1500 V
Coming soon
Feedback Loop
Some cars generate an AC signal to be used in applications such as smart glass or to power appliances with a standard power outlet.
Cell Balancing
Each cell uses a pair of solid-state relays (such as VORA1100) to monitor voltage levels and detect unsafe conditions such as overload.
A
A Automotive SSR – AEC-Q102, 125 °C
VORA1010M4
100 V SSR
VOR1060M4
600 V SSR
VORA1150B4
1500 V SSR
Coming soon
The switches represent single SSRs. With alternate switching, the cell voltage can be monitored or leveled out between cells.
E-Fuse
Linear signal transmission between HV and LV side with the VOA300 allows for accurate voltage and current measurements.
Reference Designs
- Schematic
- PCB layout
- Bill of materials
- 3D view
- Gerber files
Pre-Charge
Managing the inrush current with a VOMDA1271 or VOMA617, increases the lifespan and the reliability of EV battery packs due to reduced stress while switching. Optically isolated components are used to trigger and monitor pre-charging from the control board and feed-back when the pre-charge is completed, and the main switch can be activated safely.
Automotive Gate Driver – AEC-Q102, 125 °C
VOMDA1271
Automotive MOSFET driver in low profile SOP-4 package. Integrated turn-off circuit for extra fast switching.
No external power supply is needed for the VOMDA1271. This saves space and cost on the HV side.
Try it out with our pre-charge Evaluation Board.
Ground Separation
Signal separation of digital and analog ground to avoid load changes affecting the digital signal. A typical application is the heating system, where the heater and fan unit are switched on frequently to control the temperature in the passenger compartment.
Automotive Transistor Coupler – AEC-Q102, 125 °C
VOLA617A
8 mm Creepage
800 V
Coming soon
VOWA617A
10.8 mm Creepage
1500 V
Coming soon
To explore all of our optoelectronic solutions for Interior applications, click on the orange hotspots below to learn more.
Smart Glass
AB
C Automatic dimming for sun visor or panorama roof.
Power off / on state as shown for PDLC smart glass. The reverse operation mode is called PNLC.
Smart glass can be switched between an opaque and transparent mode. For activating the glass, an AC signal has to be applied constantly. For switching and controlling the AC signal, the VORA1100 automotive SSR can be used where a normal microcontroller output is enough to control the higher power AC signal. Combined with an ambient light sensor, the system can automatically dim the smart glass and areas like the sun visor or panorama glass roofs.
Smart Mirror
Light Sensing
Without Auto Dimming Mirror
With Auto Dimming Mirror
VEML4031 in a narrow / long form factor for Narrow Bezel Applications.
One important feature of the VEML6031 is its fast response time. This is important for the auto mirror dimming function to avoid the driver being irritated by the high light beams of a following car.
HUD
Head Up Display Working Principle
A
To provide good readability, heads-up displays need to quickly react to changes in the ambient light.
The VEML6031 has a high dynamic range to work well under low light and direct sunlight conditions.
Detection channels: Visible & Infrared Light to differentiate natural against artificial light sources for a complete understanding of surrounding brightness conditions.
Blocking Object Detection
B C
A matching pair of a photodiode and IR emitter can be used for object detection in heads-up displays to prevent covering of the displays.
Once an obstacle is detected, a warning can be sent to the driver immediately.
Driver Monitoring
High power IR emitters are crucial in driver monitoring applications to provide sufficient illumination for camera systems, which detect facial expressions and drowsiness.
The VSMA series offers a variety of half angles - ± 28°, ± 40°, and ± 60° - and wavelengths of 850 nm and 940 nm.
Driving current up to 1.5 A that results in a typical radiant power of 2100 mW.
High Power IR LEDs
Astral Series - VSMAxx
HMI
Force Sensing
A
Force sensing placed behind a display or surface allows for a new user experience that requires actual pressing instead of just touching.
VCNL4030X01
(4.0 mm x 2.3 mm x 0.75 mm)
The highly sensitive sensors are placed behind a surface to measure micrometer changes in distance. With that, a slight bending or movement can trigger actions on a display or switch.
Display Dimming
B
The VEML6031 can be placed behind a surface that is only 1 % transmissive, and still works well with a very low light input.
Turn Knobs
Transmissive sensors for motion, speed, and direction measurement in turn knobs or wheels. Single-, dual-, and quad-channel options are available to meet different requirements.
Steering Wheel Switches
Steering Wheel Switches
Key features:
The use of optical encoding with transmissive sensors allows for precise data collection. Transmissive sensors operate by blocking or transmitting infrared (IR) light through a code wheel, enabling accurate determination of turn signals and directions. This technology is a versatile alternative to traditional potentiometers and mechanical solutions.
Applications:
These sensors find applications in various fields, including motion and speed sensing, as well as direction detection. They are integral components in ignition locks, adaptive headlights, and electric power steering (EPS) systems. Additionally, they serve as encoders for interior rotary knobs found in climate control panels, steering wheel switches, and iDrive systems.
Air Quality
Air Quality Measurement
PM2.5 Sensor Working Principle – Laser Scattering
Photodiodes are used in PM2.5 sensors to detect particles in the air. Combined with a laser light source that emits in parallel to the photodiode, particles reflect light depending on their size perpendicular to the photodiode.
Photodiodes for air quality measurements ideally have a high sensitivity and a fast response time.
Air Quality Improvement
VLMU35Cxx
(3.5 mm x 3.5 mm x 1.8 mm)
UVC LEDs help to sterilize the air and inactivate viruses / bacteria and fungi that can cause mold.
Critical parameters for UVC applications are power, distance, and time of exposure for the UVC light.
More details about the calculation and estimation of UVC applications can be found in our “Did You Know” document.
Communication
Out of Band Signaling OOB
A
Using two optocouplers like the VOMA617 in order to create separate in and outwards communication channels.
It is necessary in automotive OBD ports to read and write information to an external analysis device without interrupting / affecting the internal communication signals.
| Forward Current | Current Transfer Ratio (CTR) | Product Page | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 % to 600 % | 63 % to 125 % | 100 % to 200 % | 160 % to 320 % | 130 % to 260 % | ||
| IF = 5 mA | VOMA617A-X001T | – | VOMA617A-3X001T | VOMA617A-4X001T | VOMA617A-8X001T | VOMA617A |
| IF = 1 mA | VOMA618A-X001T | VOMA618A-2X001T | VOMA618A-3X001T | VOMA618A-4X001T | VOMA618A-8X001T | VOMA618A |
Heating
Ground Separation
A B
A B Signal separation of digital and analog ground to avoid load changes affecting the digital signal.
This is proven to be useful in heating systems where the heater and fan unit are switched on frequently to control the temperature in the cabin.
To explore all of our optoelectronic solutions for Exterior applications, click on the orange hotspots below to learn more.
Rain Light Sensor
Light Conditions
Light conditions are measured in front and around the car with separate light sensors and different optics. An RGB sensor for environment measurement differentiates between natural and artificial light to avoid false triggers in tunnels.
Rain Sensing
With a combination of an IR emitter and a photodiode, the change in light reflection of a wet windshield compared to a dry one can be detected. The K857PE 4-quadrant photodiode offers additional information about the angular change in reflection to avoid false triggers.
Rain Sensor Working Principle
Lidar
Reflective Sensor for Optical Encoder
Lidar Positioning Systems
VCNT2025X01: IR emitter + PD
VCNT2030: VCSEL emitter + PD
Automotive qualification is only available for VCNT2025
Rotary encoder wheel
Rotating lidar systems fully scan the environment. The rotation angle and speed can be measured with a reflective sensor combined with a rotary encoder wheel.
Rear Lights Brake Lights Indicator
The VLM.333.. series is an upgraded iteration of the Vishay VLM.31.. series, featuring larger chips capable of handling a 50 mA drive current.
Housed in a PLCC-2 package, these LEDs incorporate advanced AlInGaP technology, offer 8 mm tape availability for easy handling, maintain luminous intensity and color consistency, provide efficient heat dissipation with a thermal resistance (R) of 400 K/W, and boast an ESD-withstand voltage of up to 2 kV (JESD22-A114-B) for durability. Preconditioning adheres to JEDEC® level 2a standards, and they are compatible with various solder processes (CECC 00802 and J-STD-020). Additionally, these LEDs are AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive industry standards.
Applications include traffic signals and signs, interior and exterior lighting, dashboard illumination, and indicator/backlighting in audio, video, and other devices.
Back-up Illumination
Allows the driver to see things in low light or complete darkness.
Vishay manufactures one of the world’s largest portfolios of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components that are essential to innovative designs in the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Serving customers worldwide, Vishay is The DNA of tech.®
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