ROHM Optical High-precision 4-direction Sensor – Silent Operation in the
Industry's Thinnest Package

ROHM has developed the RPI-1040, an optical surface-mount 4-direction sensor with a profile 67% thinner than current models. The new sensor detects up, down, left, and right movement in 90º intervals using an in-house infrared LED, 2 phototransistors, and light blocking mechanism. Simple and instantaneous direction detection is enabled, linked to the movement of the device. No special operation is required. In addition, a novel architecture is utilized to ensure silent operation, eliminating the need for soundproofing and increasing design flexibility.

Optical sensors are not susceptible to either vibration or magnetic fields, making them superior to mechanical and magnetic 4-way sensors and the preferred choice in portable devices. However, there is one disadvantage - they are difficult to miniaturize. Until now. The RPI-1040 sets a milestone in sensor thickness by achieving a profile of just 0.8 mm – the world's thinnest – making it not only ideally compatible with digital cameras, digital photo frames, and portable TVs, but mobile phones and increasingly compact next-generation devices as well.

Sample shipments have begun in July 2008, with mass production scheduled for December 2008.

ROHM is committed to developing products that meet customer needs and further expanding its extensive lineup. For inquiries or more information please visit ROHM's website at: www.rohm.com

• RPI-1040 4-direction Sensor Features

1. Optical 4-direction detection method
2. Compact, low-profile noiseless design (3.1 [L] · 3.1 [W] · 0.8 [H] mm)
3. Surface-mount package compatible with reflow processes
4. Greater reliability than both mechanical and magnetic sensors (fewer vibration/magnetic-induced malfunctions with no operating noise)

New Product Bulletin for Compact 4-way Detection Sensor "RPI-1040"(PDF:858KB)

• Applications

• Digital cameras, mobile phones, portable TVs, photo frames, projectors, and the like.

	4 Direction Detection Sensor RPI-1040