Broadcom Limited's APDS-9005-020 is a low-cost analog-output ambient light sensor (ALS) packaged in a miniature ChipLED lead-free SMT format. Specifically designed for intelligent display backlight adjustment, its spectral response closely matches the CIE standard photopic observer (human eye), enabling precise ambient light intensity sensing and linear electrical signal conversion. Widely used in mobile devices, consumer electronics, and smart lighting systems, the sensor optimizes the matching between photocurrent output and load resistance, delivering a typical photocurrent of 40μA at 100 lux illumination (Vcc=1.8V). This provides efficient light intensity feedback for system control.
Broadcom Limited APDS-9005-020's Features
- Wide Supply Range: 3–36V (B versions) supports single or dual-supply operation.
- Low Power Consumption: 300μA/channel quiescent current suits battery-powered devices.
- Robustness: High ESD protection and EMI filtering make it suitable for harsh industrial environments.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Industry-standard design balances performance and cost for mass-market applications.
Broadcom Limited APDS-9005-020's Applications
- Consumer Electronics Devices
- Mobile Phones/Tablet Screen Auto-Brightness Adjustment
Leveraging its compact size (1.6mm×1.5mm) and low-power characteristics (100μA typical current), it adapts to dynamic backlight adjustment for portable device screens. The infrared suppression function avoids interference from ambient infrared light (e.g., remote controls, sunlight) to ensure brightness detection accuracy.
- Wearable Devices (Smartwatches, Fitness Bands)
Supporting a wide voltage range (1.8V–5.5V) and vibration-resistant design, it integrates into watch straps or dials to adjust display brightness in real time for optimized battery life.
- Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Home
- Smart Lighting Control Systems
The analog voltage output directly connects to MCU ADC ports without complex digital interfaces, suitable for low-cost ambient light sensing in smart switches, curtains, or lighting fixtures to enable automated scenarios like "lights on when detected, brightness compensation in dim environments."
- Environmental Monitoring Sensor Nodes
With ultra-low power consumption (dark current 300nA) and battery operation, it deploys in homes, offices, etc., for long-term light intensity monitoring and data upload.
- Medical and Health Devices
- Backlight Adjustment for Medical Instrument Displays
Compliant with RoHS and IEC 62368-1 certifications, it operates stably in -40°C to +85°C wide temperatures, suitable for adaptive brightness in hospital/clinic equipment HMIs. The infrared filtering function prevents interference from medical device infrared signals.
- Portable Medical Testing Equipment
Its small form factor fits portable devices like blood glucose meters and blood pressure monitors, sensing ambient light in real time to optimize screen display and reduce user visual fatigue.
- Industrial and Automotive Electronics
- Industrial Control Panels and Dashboards
With vibration resistance (1m free-fall test) and high ESD protection (2kV), it suits automatic brightness adjustment for industrial equipment panels, such as HMI interfaces for machine tools and automation devices.
- Automotive Interior Light Sensing Systems
The infrared suppression capability (blocking >95% of light above 940nm) avoids false triggers from sunlight or in-car infrared sources (e.g., ambient lights), adjusting backlights for vehicle dashboards and central control screens to enhance driving safety.
- Low-Power and Battery-Powered Devices
- Outdoor Sensors and Weather Stations
At 3V power supply, typical power consumption is only 100μA. Paired with solar charging modules, it monitors outdoor light intensity for environmental data collection in agricultural greenhouses and weather stations.
- Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL)
The analog output interface simplifies circuit design, suitable for ultra-low-cost ESL devices that adjust display brightness by sensing shelf ambient light to extend battery life.
- Special Scenario Applications
- Light-Avoiding or Infrared-Interference Environments
For cultural relic display lighting control in museums and galleries, its excellent infrared filtering prevents strong light and infrared damage to exhibits while precisely adjusting ambient brightness.
- Security and Surveillance Equipment
In nighttime or complex lighting, real-time light intensity detection assists cameras in auto-switching day/night modes to improve monitoring image quality.
Broadcom Limited APDS-9005-020's Specifications
Physical and Packaging Specifications
| Parameter |
Detailed Specifications |
| Package Type |
6-pin ChipLED SMD package (lead-free, RoHS compliant) |
| Dimensions |
1.6mm × 1.5mm × 0.55mm (ultra-thin design, suitable for high-density PCB layout) |
| Weight |
Approximately 0.001633kg (ultra-lightweight, ideal for wearable devices) |
| Pin Configuration |
VCC, GND, OUT, and 3 NC (Not Connected) pins, simplifying circuit design |
| Packaging Format |
Tape and reel packaging (2500 pieces per reel), supporting automated pick-and-place processes |
| Soldering Compatibility |
Reflow soldering compatible (peak temperature ≤260°C, compliant with JEDEC standards) |
Electrical and Optical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Typical Value / Range |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) |
1.8V–5.5V (Wide voltage support for multiple power supply solutions) |
| Quiescent Power Consumption |
100μA (Typical, under 100 lux illumination) |
| Dark Current (IDARK) |
≤300nA (At 0 lux, ensuring stability in low-light environments) |
| Light Current (IPH) |
28–52μA (Under 100 lux white light, VCC=1.8V) |
| Output Linearity |
±5% (0–1100 lux dynamic range, high-precision detection) |
| Response Time |
5ms (Rise/fall time, RL=1kΩ, 100 lux step change) |
| Spectral Response Peak |
500nm (Green light sensitivity, matching human eye vision curve) |
| Infrared Suppression |
>95% (Blocking light above 940nm to avoid ambient infrared interference) |
| Viewing Angle Range |
±50° (Output attenuation <20%, suitable for multi-angle light detection) |
Environmental and Reliability
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to +85°C (Wide temperature range for extreme environments) |
| Storage Temperature |
-40°C to +85°C (Long-term storage stability) |
| Humidity Resistance |
85°C/85% RH for 1000 hours, light current degradation <5% |
| Mechanical Shock |
1m free fall test (260g acceleration), 200 cycles without damage |
| ESD Protection |
2kV (HBM standard, anti-electrostatic interference) |
| Certifications |
RoHS 10, Halogen-Free, IEC 62368-1, CE, FCC |
| MTBF |
>50,000 hours (MIL-HDBK-217F standard, high reliability) |
Interface and Circuit Design
| Parameter |
Design Recommendation |
| Output Type |
Analog current output (converted to voltage via RL=1kΩ, Vout = IPH × RL) |
| Filter Capacitor |
10μF capacitor recommended (suppresses 100Hz fluorescent lighting noise) |
| Optical Window |
1mm polycarbonate filter (reduces UV interference) |
| PCB Layout |
Avoid direct illumination from LEDs or other light sources; use a light shield design. |
| Load Resistance Impact |
Response time increases as RL rises (e.g., rise time extends to 18ms when RL=10kΩ) |
Comparison with Other Popular ALS Sensors
| Feature |
APDS-9005-020 |
TSL2561 |
BH1750FVI |
TEMT6000 |
| Output Type |
Analog Voltage |
Digital (I²C) |
Digital (I²C) |
Analog Voltage |
| Infrared Suppression |
✅ Excellent (>95%) |
❌ None |
❌ None |
⚠️ Moderate |
| Power Consumption (Typical) |
100μA |
0.35mA |
0.06mA |
200μA |
| Response Time |
5ms |
16ms–500ms |
120ms–160ms |
10ms |
| Linearity |
±5% (0–1100 lux) |
±20% |
±20% |
±10% |
| Optimal Scenarios |
Compact analog systems, infrared-resistant environments |
High-precision measurements |
Consumer electronics |
General-purpose light sensing |
APDS-9007-020 VS APDS-9005-020:Alternative Parts
| Hide Shared Attributes |
 |
 |
| Part Number |
APDS-9007-020 +BOM |
APDS-9005-020 +BOM |
| Manufacturer: |
Broadcom Limited |
Broadcom Limited |
| Description: |
BROADCOM LIMITED - APDS-9007-020 - AMBIENT LIGHT SENSOR, SMD |
BROADCOM LIMITED - APDS-9005-020 - AMBIENT LIGHT SENSOR, SMD |
| Factory Lead Time: |
20 Weeks |
16 Weeks |
| Mount: |
Surface Mount |
Surface Mount |
| Mounting Type: |
Surface Mount |
Surface Mount |
| Package / Case: |
6-SMD, No Lead |
6-SMD, No Lead |
| Number of Pins: |
6 |
6 |
| Supplier Device Package: |
6-Pin ChipLED |
- |
| Operating Temperature: |
-40°C~85°C |
-40°C~85°C |
| Packaging: |
Tape & Reel (TR) |
Tape & Reel (TR) |
| Published: |
2002 |
2002 |
| Part Status: |
Active |
Active |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL): |
3 (168 Hours) |
3 (168 Hours) |
| Termination: |
SMD/SMT |
SMD/SMT |
| Type: |
Ambient |
Ambient |
| Max Operating Temperature: |
85°C |
- |
| Min Operating Temperature: |
-40°C |
- |
| Voltage - Supply: |
2V~3.6V |
1.8V~5.5V |
| Output Type: |
Current |
Current |
| Operating Supply Voltage: |
3.6V |
5.5V |
| Voltage: |
5V |
- |
| Max Supply Voltage: |
3.6V |
- |
| Min Supply Voltage: |
2V |
- |
| Nominal Supply Current: |
230μA |
- |
| Output Current: |
30μA |
40μA |
| Max Voltage Rating (DC): |
3.6V |
- |
| Rise Time: |
200μs |
5ms |
| Fall Time (Typ): |
200 μs |
5 ms |
| Max Supply Voltage (DC): |
3.6V |
5.5V |
| Min Supply Voltage (DC): |
2V |
1.8V |
| Peak Wavelength: |
560 nm |
- |
| Proximity Detection: |
No |
No |
| Height: |
800μm |
550μm |
| Length: |
2.4mm |
1.6mm |
| Width: |
2mm |
1.5mm |
| REACH SVHC: |
No SVHC |
No SVHC |
| RoHS Status: |
ROHS3 Compliant |
ROHS3 Compliant |
| Lead Free: |
Lead Free |
Lead Free |
| Number of Terminations: |
- |
6 |
| HTS Code: |
- |
8542.39.00.01 |
| Terminal Position: |
- |
DUAL |
| Number of Functions: |
- |
1 |
| Supply Voltage: |
- |
3V |
| Wavelength - Peak: |
- |
500 nm |
| Dark Current: |
- |
300nA |
WlS Electronic maintains a substantial inventory of Broadcom APDS-9005-020 Ambient Light Sensors, a high-performance solution for visible light detection in smart electronics. Sourced directly from Broadcom, all components are guaranteed genuine and brand-new, with comprehensive quality assurance protocols in place. For technical verification, detailed datasheets and application notes can be provided upon request.
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Trust WlS Electronic for reliable APDS-9005-020 sensors that deliver precise light detection for the most demanding applications—from consumer electronics to industrial IoT solutions.
