Diglient PmodALS Ambient Light Sensor

Features and Specifications

• Simple ambient light sensor
• Convert light to digital data with 8-bit resolution
• 0.8 in × 0.8 in (2.0 cm × 2.0 cm) PCB size
• 6-pin Pmod connector
• SPI Bus interface
• 3.3V Logic Level
• Follows Digilent Pmod Interface Specification Type 2

The Pmod ALS model is a device that uses a single ambient light sensor to demonstrate light-to-digital sensing. It was designed by Digilent Engineers around Texas Instrument's ADC081S021 converter, which is an 8-bit analog-to-digital converter that can sample at a rate of 50-ksps to 200-ksps. The device also uses Vishay Semiconductor's TEMT6000X01, which is a silicon NPN epitaxial planar phototransistor with peak sensitivity at 570 nm.

The Pmod ALS uses Digilent's Interface Type 2 Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) port. The host device generally acts as an SPI master device, while the peripheral module generally acts as an SPI slave device. When this interface is placed on a 12-pin connector on a host, it should use pins 1-6 (i.e. the upper row of pins).

Pmod Series Overview

The Digilent Pmod (peripheral module) Series is a small, low-cost peripheral module that can be used with a wide range of embedded systems and development boards. It is designed to extend the capabilities of embedded systems and development boards by adding new features and functionality. The Pmod communicates with host boards using 6, 8 or 12-pin connectors that can carry multiple digital control signals, taking advantage of standard serial protocols such as SPI and I²C. This allows for more effective designs by routing analog signals and power supplies only where they are needed and away from digital controller boards.

What's in the Box

• Pmod ALS
• Custom antistatic Pmod packaging