Sun Angle Sensor "Optical Vernier"

The “Optical Vernier” is a new principle for measurement of light angle. The sensor detects the dominant source of incoming light and indicates its angle with respect to the sensor surface. The output signal itself is digital, i.e. does not have to be digitized, and two dimensional measurement without cross coupling can easily be realized on a single Silicon chip. Measurement range is +/- 80° from the perpendicular, and the resolution depends on the number of sensing elements (diode pairs), and is currently 3°. The planar sensor does not need additional optics, and thus assembly of
applications is simple and cost effective.

Two-dimensional angle detection is e.g. required for high performance climate control in cars. In addition to the angle information the absolute light intensity should be known. This can be realized on the same chip by means of an as well infrared photo diode and an amplifier for its photo current.

As an additional function a blue-sensitive photo diode can be implemented for realization of  automatic head lamp control in a car. For temperature compensation of the two intensity-measuring diodes on chip temperature measurement can be performed. The angle sensor does not need compensation.