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LITEON LTR-381RGB-01 Overview

The LITEON LTR-381RGB-01 is a compact digital optical sensor that integrates an ambient light sensor (ALS) and an advanced RGB color sensor (CS) into a miniature 2 × 2 mm surface-mount package. It is designed for applications that require both ambient light measurement and RGB color detection while maintaining low power consumption and a small PCB footprint.

With an I²C digital interface, wide operating voltage range, programmable interrupt function, temperature compensation, and wide dynamic response, the LTR-381RGB-01 provides a practical optical sensing solution for mobile devices, computing equipment, consumer electronics, display systems, and other compact electronic products.

This LITEON LTR-381RGB-01 overview explains the device architecture, key specifications, operating characteristics, applications, and important considerations for engineers and procurement teams evaluating the device for new designs or replacement projects.

LTR-381RGB-01 Key Features

The LTR-381RGB-01 combines ambient light sensing and RGB color detection in a single optical sensor. According to the LITEON product datasheet, its main features include:

Integrated ambient light sensor (ALS) and RGB color sensor (CS)

Digital I²C interface

Standard-mode I²C operation up to 100 kHz

Fast-mode I²C operation up to 400 kHz

Operating voltage from 1.7 V to 3.6 V

Operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C

Ultra-small 2 × 2 mm ChipLED package

Lead-free surface-mount package

Low-power sleep mode

16- to 20-bit effective resolution

Wide dynamic range with linear response

Built-in temperature compensation

Programmable ALS interrupt with upper and lower thresholds

Automatic rejection of 50 Hz/60 Hz lighting flicker

Spectral response designed to be close to human-eye response

RoHS and halogen-free compliance

These characteristics make the LTR-381RGB-01 suitable for space-constrained designs where optical sensing, low power consumption, and digital system integration are important.

What Is the LITEON LTR-381RGB-01?

The LTR-381RGB-01 is an integrated optical sensing device from LITEON Technology. Instead of using separate components for ambient light measurement and RGB color detection, the device combines both functions into one compact sensor.

The ambient light sensor provides a linear response across a wide dynamic range, allowing the system to measure changes in surrounding illumination. At the same time, the RGB color sensor detects red, green, blue, and infrared light intensity and provides digital output through the I²C interface.

This integrated approach can reduce PCB component count and simplify the optical sensing portion of a product design.

For engineers, the main advantage is not simply the small package size. The more important benefit is that ambient light and color information can be collected by a single device and transferred directly to the system controller through a standard digital interface.

LTR-381RGB-01 Technical Specifications

Specifications should always be verified against the latest LITEON datasheet before production release, because device revisions and ordering information can change.

LTR-381RGB-01 Ambient Light Sensing

One of the primary functions of the LTR-381RGB-01 is ambient light measurement.

The ALS channel is designed to provide a linear response over a wide dynamic range. This is important because real-world electronic products may operate under very different lighting conditions, ranging from relatively dark environments to bright indoor or outdoor environments.

A wide dynamic range allows the host system to obtain useful illumination information without requiring a separate sensor for different lighting levels.

For example, a display controller can use ambient light information to determine whether the display should operate at a higher or lower brightness level.

The sensor also includes a programmable interrupt function with upper and lower thresholds. Instead of continuously polling the sensor, the host controller can configure threshold conditions and respond when the detected light level crosses a defined limit.

This can help reduce unnecessary processor activity and improve system-level power efficiency.

RGB Color Detection

In addition to ambient light measurement, the LTR-381RGB-01 provides RGB color sensing.

The device detects the intensity of red, green, blue, and infrared components and converts the optical information into digital data accessible through the I²C 

interface.

This makes the sensor useful when a system needs more information than simple brightness measurement.

For example, RGB information can be used in:

Display color management

Automatic color adjustment

Smart lighting

Color recognition

Consumer electronics

Optical monitoring

IoT sensing systems

The combination of ALS and RGB sensing is particularly useful when both environmental illumination and color information affect system behavior.

I²C Interface and System Integration

The LTR-381RGB-01 uses a standard I²C interface, making it relatively straightforward to integrate with common microcontrollers, application processors, and embedded control systems.

The device supports:

Standard-mode I²C up to 100 kHz

Fast-mode I²C up to 400 kHz

Because the sensor outputs digital data, the host system does not need a separate external ADC for converting the sensor output into digital information.

For PCB designers, the 2 × 2 mm package can also be beneficial when board space is limited.

However, optical sensor performance depends not only on the IC itself but also on the mechanical and optical design around the sensor. PCB layout, sensor positioning, optical openings, light leakage, nearby LEDs, display components, and enclosure materials should therefore be considered during system development.

LTR-381RGB-01 Low-Power Design

Power consumption is an important consideration in battery-powered electronics.

The LTR-381RGB-01 provides a sleep mode designed to reduce power consumption when continuous sensing is not required.

The programmable interrupt function can also support low-power system architectures. Rather than keeping the host processor active and continuously reading sensor data, the system can configure appropriate thresholds and allow the sensor to generate an interrupt when the required condition occurs.

This approach can be useful in portable electronics, wearable devices, smart home products, and other battery-powered systems.

Temperature Compensation and Lighting Flicker Rejection

Optical sensors can be affected by environmental and lighting conditions. The LTR-381RGB-01 incorporates a built-in temperature compensation circuit to help maintain stable sensor performance across its specified operating temperature range.

The device also provides automatic rejection of 50 Hz and 60 Hz lighting flicker.

This feature can be useful in environments illuminated by conventional AC-powered lighting, where periodic changes in light intensity can otherwise introduce unwanted variations into optical measurements.

For engineers designing products for different geographic markets, 50/60 Hz flicker rejection can therefore be a useful system-level feature.

LTR-381RGB-01 Package and PCB Design

The LTR-381RGB-01 uses a miniature 6-pin ChipLED surface-mount package measuring approximately 2 × 2 mm.

Its compact footprint makes it suitable for products where PCB space is limited.

Typical design considerations include:

Position the sensor where it can receive representative ambient light.

Minimize unwanted light leakage from nearby LEDs.

Consider the optical characteristics of the enclosure.

Keep high-intensity light sources away from the sensor where possible.

Follow the recommended PCB footprint and soldering conditions in the LITEON datasheet.

Consider the mechanical tolerance of the final product enclosure.

Optical sensor performance is strongly influenced by the final mechanical design. Therefore, copying the electrical schematic alone is not sufficient to guarantee the same optical performance in a finished product.

LTR-381RGB-01 Applications

LITEON specifies applications including brightness and color control for mobile, computing, and consumer devices.

Potential application areas include:

Mobile and Portable Electronics

The compact package and low-voltage operation make the LTR-381RGB-01 suitable for space-constrained portable electronic designs.

The sensor can provide ambient light information for automatic display brightness adjustment while RGB sensing can support additional color-related functions.

Display Systems

Ambient light information can be used by a display controller to adjust screen brightness according to surrounding lighting conditions.

RGB information may also be used in color-related control and calibration functions.

Smart Lighting

RGB sensing combined with ambient light detection can provide additional information for intelligent lighting systems.

The host controller can use sensor data to determine environmental conditions and adjust lighting behavior accordingly.

Consumer Electronics

The LTR-381RGB-01 can be considered for a wide range of consumer electronics where compact optical sensing is required.

Its digital I²C interface allows it to be integrated into embedded systems without requiring a separate analog signal conversion stage.

IoT and Embedded Systems

The low operating voltage, low-power mode, programmable interrupt, and compact package make the device relevant to embedded sensing applications where power and PCB area are limited.

LTR-381RGB-01 Advantages for New Designs

When evaluating the LTR-381RGB-01 for a new design, several characteristics are particularly relevant.

1. Two Optical Functions in One Device

The integration of ALS and RGB sensing reduces the need for separate optical sensing components.

2. Compact 2 × 2 mm Package

The small package helps designers save PCB space, which is increasingly important in compact consumer and portable products.

3. Digital I²C Interface

Digital communication simplifies connection to a microcontroller or application processor.

4. Wide Operating Voltage

The 1.7 V to 3.6 V operating range provides flexibility for low-voltage embedded system designs.

5. Wide Operating Temperature Range

The specified -40°C to +85°C range supports many commercial and industrial electronic environments.

6. Programmable Interrupt

Threshold-based interrupts can reduce unnecessary sensor polling and support more efficient embedded software architectures.

LTR-381RGB-01 vs. a Standard Ambient Light Sensor

A conventional ambient light sensor is primarily designed to measure illumination intensity.

The LTR-381RGB-01 provides additional RGB color information, allowing the host system to obtain a richer description of the surrounding optical environment.

This distinction is important when selecting a sensor.

If the application only requires basic brightness detection, a simple ALS may be sufficient.

If the application requires both illumination measurement and RGB information, an integrated RGB/ALS device such as the LTR-381RGB-01 may reduce component count and simplify system architecture.

Therefore, the correct selection should be based on the actual sensing requirements rather than simply comparing individual specifications.

LTR-381RGB-01 Datasheet and Design Verification

Engineers should use the official LITEON datasheet as the primary reference when designing with the LTR-381RGB-01.

The current LITEON datasheet identifies the device as an optical sensor integrating ALS and color sensing, with the latest document revision published by LITEON DCC dated September 14, 2024.

The datasheet should be checked for:

Electrical characteristics

I²C communication details

Register configuration

Interrupt configuration

Optical characteristics

Recommended PCB layout

Package dimensions

Recommended operating conditions

Soldering information

Ordering information

For production designs, engineers should always confirm the latest manufacturer documentation rather than relying exclusively on distributor databases or third-party component listings.

How to Source LITEON LTR-381RGB-01

For OEMs, EMS manufacturers, design houses, and electronic component purchasing teams, sourcing the correct manufacturer part number is only one part of the procurement process.

Before placing a production order for LITEON LTR-381RGB-01, buyers should confirm:

Manufacturer: LITEON Technology

Exact MPN: LTR-381RGB-01

Package and packaging configuration

Production date code

Available quantity

Original manufacturer packaging

Traceability requirements

Required delivery schedule

Quality and inspection requirements

For engineering samples, prototype quantities and mass-production requirements, supply conditions may be different. Buyers should therefore communicate the expected quantity and delivery schedule when requesting a quotation.

Why Choose Richpower for LITEON Components?

Richpower Technology supports customers sourcing LITEON optoelectronic components for OEM, EMS, industrial, consumer electronics, and other electronic manufacturing applications.

Our LITEON portfolio includes optical sensors, ambient light sensors, RGB/color sensing devices, infrared emitters and detectors, LEDs, and related optoelectronic components.

For the LITEON LTR-381RGB-01, Richpower can support customers with product information, sourcing assistance, quotation requests, availability checks, and supply coordination.

For projects that require multiple LITEON components, customers can also discuss their BOM requirements with our sales team to evaluate sourcing options across the LITEON product portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What is LITEON LTR-381RGB-01?

LITEON LTR-381RGB-01 is an integrated ambient light sensor and RGB color sensor with a digital I²C interface. It is designed for optical sensing applications including display control, mobile devices, computing equipment, and consumer electronics.

What interface does LTR-381RGB-01 use?

The LTR-381RGB-01 uses an I²C interface and supports standard mode at 100 kHz and fast mode at 400 kHz.

What is the operating voltage of LTR-381RGB-01?

The specified operating voltage range is 1.7 V to 3.6 V.

What is the operating temperature range?

The LTR-381RGB-01 is specified for operation from -40°C to +85°C.

What package does LTR-381RGB-01 use?

The device uses a miniature 6-pin ChipLED surface-mount package with a 2 × 2 mm footprint.

Does LTR-381RGB-01 measure RGB color?

Yes. The integrated color sensor detects red, green, blue, and infrared light intensity and provides digital output through the I²C interface.

Does LTR-381RGB-01 support low-power operation?

Yes. LITEON specifies a low-power sleep mode, and the programmable interrupt function can help reduce unnecessary host-controller polling.

Where can I get the LTR-381RGB-01 datasheet?

The official LITEON product datasheet should be used as the primary technical reference for electrical, optical, mechanical, and interface specifications. The current LITEON document is identified as specification DS86-2018-0007.

Conclusion

The LITEON LTR-381RGB-01 combines ambient light sensing and RGB color detection in a compact 2 × 2 mm digital optical sensor.

Its I²C interface, 1.7 V to 3.6 V operating voltage, -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range, low-power mode, programmable interrupt, temperature compensation, and 50/60 Hz lighting flicker rejection make it a practical option for compact embedded optical sensing applications.

For engineers, the main value of the LTR-381RGB-01 is the combination of ALS + RGB sensing + digital I²C communication + compact packaging in one device.

For procurement teams, correct manufacturer part-number verification, packaging, traceability, availability, and supply continuity should be confirmed before production purchasing.

If you are looking for LITEON LTR-381RGB-01, an alternative LITEON optical sensor, or other LITEON optoelectronic components, contact Richpower Technology for product information and sourcing support.

About Richpower Technology

Richpower Technology is an authorized distributor of LITEON Technology, providing genuine LITEON optoelectronic components to OEMs, EMS companies, manufacturers, engineering teams, and professional purchasing organizations worldwide.

As an authorized LITEON distributor, we support customers with LITEON optical sensors, ambient light sensors, RGB/color sensors, infrared emitters and detectors, visible LEDs, power LEDs, and other LITEON optoelectronic products.

For LITEON LTR-381RGB-01 requirements, Richpower Technology can provide product information, availability, quotations, and supply support based on your required quantity, application, delivery schedule, and destination market.

Whether you are sourcing LITEON LTR-381RGB-01 for engineering samples, prototype development, or volume production, our team can support your purchasing requirements with authorized LITEON product sourcing and supply coordination.

Contact Richpower Technology for LITEON LTR-381RGB-01 availability, quotation, and authorized distribution support.