The TSL401 is a linear array of 128 charge mode CMOS photodiodes with 400 dots per inch of resolution. This offers a simple and economic alternative to CCD devices in many line scanning applications.
Operating from a single 5-V supply and requiring only a CLOCK
and SI pulse the TSL401 is very simple to use. Each pixel is 63.5
µm (H) by 55 µm (W) with a center to center spacing
of 63.5 µm and a gap of 8.5 µm between pixels. The maximum
clock rate of 2 MHz allows for rapid data throughput. The analog
voltage output is proportional to the intensity of the light on
each pixel and the amount of time (integration time) that it is
illuminated. It has a pixel response nonuniformity of 
7.5%
(max), linearity of 0.4% (typ), low image lag of 0.5% (typ),
and a signal to noise ratio that provides a capability of 8 bits
of A-D resolution, making it ideal for gray scale applications.
Additionally, it does not require the support circuitry needed
for most CCD devices, minimizing total system cost.
The TSL401 is packaged in an economical, easy to use, transparent 8-pin dual-in-line package. It is used in a wide variety of applications including mark detection, bar code readers, optical linear and rotary encoders, edge detection and optical character recognition. This device is available in an 8-pin clear PDIP package.
TLC5510
Vol 17, June, 1996
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