Ams introduces the industry's smallest proximity sensor to integrate new capabilities into space-constrained wireless earbuds

Ams has announced the TMD2636, a fully integrated proximity sensor that offers 30 percent less space than existing solutions, bringing cross-format value addition to True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earplug manufacturers.

● The new TMD2636 fully integrated proximity sensor module for True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds is available in an ultra-thin 0.35mm package that takes up only 0.7mm3 of volume

● The sensor draws on ams' innovations in optical sensor hardware and software to provide reliable in-ear close-up detection and save power when earplugs are not used

● The reduced size of the TMD2636 means that the earbuds can now accommodate multiple proximity sensors to increase reliability or add new features that improve the user experience

Darrell Benke, director of Optical Sensor Strategic Programs at ams, said: "In-ear detection using the TMD2636 proximity sensor gives TWS earplug manufacturers new flexibility in product design, with options to optimize the performance of their products, reduce their size, or expand the range of features they support to differentiate their products in a competitive market." ams' introduction of the world's smallest proximity sensor gives manufacturers new ways to extend battery life, optimize designs and deliver more distinctive and higher-value products to consumers."

Reliable proximity detection performed by one or more TMD2636 sensors enables the earbuds to turn on automatically when inserted into the ear and turn off automatically when removed. This maximizes power savings when earplugs are not used, while providing the best user experience.
The TMD2636 sensor module integrates a 940nm infrared (IR) vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) emitter, IR sensing photodiode, complex control circuit, and transparent die overlay in a 2.0mm x 1.0mm x 0.35mm package. The sensor's average active mode current consumption in sleep mode was 70µA and 0.7µA. The power saving benefits of the TMD2636 are key, especially given the small battery capacity and small size of the wireless earbud product.

The TMD2636 was developed thanks to ams' innovations in photodetector technology, optical package design, and factory testing and calibration. The TMD2636 is designed with excellent crosstalk suppression, high resistance to ambient light interference, and efficient algorithms that produce accurate proximity detection results. In addition, the TMD2636 digital I2C interface provides a patented solution for two devices to reside on the same bus, simplifying dual-device system design.

Space for new features

Innovations in packaging miniaturization have given earbud manufacturers new space to rethink earbud design and provide a better user experience. The overall volume of the TMD2636 is 30% smaller than earlier products: this gives product designers new freedom to integrate multiple sensors or integrate new features using components that could not previously be accommodated. For example, with multiple TMD2636 sensors, in-ear detection and power management can be made smarter, providing greater reliability and consumer satisfaction.

Pierre Laboisse, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Ames Group, said: "Market analysis * shows that the wireless earbuds market will grow by 39% to more than 350 million by 2021. Manufacturers want to be able to compete in this rapidly growing market. The key is user satisfaction, such as design, convenience, battery life, high quality listening experience and comfort."

Pioneering TWS earplug technology

The announcement of the TMD2636 comes on the heels of other new products recently introduced by ams that also aid earbud manufacturers in their efforts to create highly differentiated products. Leading technologies developed by ams include automatic leak compensation, a digital active noise reduction technology that increases ambient noise attenuation in loose earplugs to more than 40dB. ams has also developed innovative digitally enhanced hearing features based on its AS3460 ANC chip, giving earplug users the freedom to enjoy configurable noise cancellation features so that they can choose the types of sounds they hear and which sounds are blocked by the noise cancellation system.