Proximity 13 Click based on SI1153-AB09-GMR IC from Silicon Labs that can be used as an proximity, and gesture detector with I2C digital interface and programmable-event interrupt output. The host can send command the Proximity 13 Click to initiate on-demand proximity measurements. The host can also place the Click board™ in an autonomous operational state where it performs measurements at set intervals and interrupts the host either after each measurement is completed or whenever the sample is larger/smaller than a set threshold value or exits/enters a set threshold window.

Proximity 13 Click board™ is supported by a mikroSDK compliant library, which includes functions that simplify software development.

Proximity 13 Click features touchless sensor IC that includes dual 23-bit analog-to-digital converters, an integrated high-sensitivity array of visible and infrared photodiodes, a digital signal processor, and three integrated LED drivers with programmable drive levels. The photodiode response and associated digital conversion circuitry provide excellent immunity to artificial light flicker noise and natural light flutter noise.

By default, the measurement parameters are optimized for indoor ambient light levels, where it is possible to detect low light levels. For operation under direct sunlight, the ADC can be programmed to operate in a high signal operation so that it is possible to measure direct sunlight without overflowing.

The Proximity 13 Click is capable of measuring visible and infrared light. However, the visible photodiode is also influenced by infrared light. The measurement of illuminance requires the same spectral response as the human eye. If an accurate lux measurement is desired, the extra IR response of the visible-light photodiode must be compensated. Therefore, to allow the host to make corrections to the infrared light’s influence, SI1153-AB09-GMR reports the infrared light measurement on a separate channel. The separate visible and IR photodiodes lend themselves to a variety of algorithmic solutions. The host can then take these two measurements and run an algorithm to derive an equivalent lux level as perceived by a human eye. Having the IR correction algorithm running in the host allows for the most flexibility in adjusting for system-dependent variables. For example, if the glass used in the system blocks visible light more than infrared light, the IR correction needs to be adjusted.

Over distances of less than 50 cm, the dual-port active reflection proximity detector has significant advantages over single-port, motion-based infrared systems, which are only good for triggered events. Motion-based infrared detectors identify objects within proximity, but only if they are moving. Single-port motion-based infrared systems are ambiguous about stationary objects even if they are within the proximity field. The Proximity 13 Click can reliably detect an object entering or exiting a specified proximity field, even if the object is not moving or is moving very slowly. However, beyond about 30–50 cm, even with good optical isolation, single-port signal processing may be required due to static reflections from nearby objects, such as tables, walls, etc. If motion detection is acceptable, the SI1153-AB09-GMR can achieve ranges of up to 50 cm, through a single product window.

Since the three infrared LEDs are placed in an L-shaped configuration, it is possible to triangulate an object within the three-dimensional proximity field. Thus, a touchless user interface can be implemented with the aid of host software.

• Interface: GPIO, I²C
• Compatibility: mikroBUS™
• Dimensions: 28.6 x 25.4mm
• Input Voltage: 3.3V

• Schematic
• SI1153 Datasheet
• mikroSDK
• GitHub