Rohm optical sensor features IR VCSEL technology
Rohm has developed the RPR-0730, analogue compact optical sensor, capable of high-precision detection of fast-moving objects. This sensor can be widely used in consumer and industrial equipment applications,
As industrial and office equipment becomes increasingly sophisticated and automated, there is a growing demand for improved sensing technology accuracy. In applications such as label printers, material or product transport systems, and copiers, the need for technology that can identify objects more accurately is essential. Moreover, increased speed driven by productivity improvements makes the introduction of high-speed, high-precision optical sensors crucial.
The RPR-0730 is a compact reflective optical sensor (photo reflector). It employs an infrared VCSEL, which offers higher directionality than LEDs, enabling detection of finer objects. Furthermore, by using a phototransistor with analogue output as the receiver, the sensor achieves a response time of 10µs.
This dual combination enables high-speed, accurate identification of fine lines as narrow as 0.1mm, previously difficult to detect with conventional LED light sources. As an addition to the existing digital output sensor RPR-0720 series, RPR-0730 expands capability to applications requiring faster sensing, such as print detection in copiers, label printers, or rotational detection in motors and gears.
The package is ultra-compact at 2.0mm × 1.0mm × 0.55mm and employs a visible light filtering resin to suppress interference from ambient light or sunlight. This enables stable detection even in environments with varying light conditions, such as factories or outdoors. The sensor can also be easily integrated into equipment requiring installation in small, confined spaces, like inside conveyors or precision instruments, making it suitable for a wider range of applications.
Mass production of the new product commenced in October 2025.
