TAOS has released light and proximity sensors while Supertex and iWatt have launched new drivers to enable compelling LED-backlit displays.

LED-based display backlighting continues to be the largest market for high-brightness LEDs despite the fact that the general-illumination application gets more notice. New LED driver and sensor products from Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions (Taos), Supertex and iWatt promise to enable displays with the latest solid-state-lighting (SSL) technology for optimal image quality and minimal power consumption.

Indeed light and proximity sensing is needed in devices based on LCDs to set the appropriate backlight level for maximum display quality without wasting power when ambient light is sufficient or when no one is present to view the display. Taos is targeting mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets with its new TSL2x72 family, although the company also expects the sensors to be used in computer-display and HDTV applications.

The new products include the TSL2572 family for digital ambient light sensing (ALS), the TSL2672 family for proximity detection, and the TSL2772 family that includes both light and proximity sensors.

To serve in mobile applications, the sensors must work in very bright environments and the new Taos products are designed for use in full sunlight at levels to 60,000 lx and beyond.