Part A
APDS-9960
Broadcom Limited
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 5683 Stückzahl
- Series
- Optische Sensoren und Umgebungslicht-, IR-, UV-Sensoren
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The APDS-9190 can serve as a functional replacement candidate for the APDS-9960 only in designs that require ambient light and proximity sensing alone, since both devices share the same I²C interface, supply voltage range, and similar package footprint. However, the APDS-9960 integrates a full RGB color sensor and gesture detection engine that the APDS-9190 does not provide, so any application relying on color sensing or gesture recognition cannot be satisfied by the APDS-9190. Designers must validate the reduced feature set and confirm that the absence of gesture and color functionality is acceptable before substituting.
Sensor Function Set
Validation required
Supply Voltage Range
High match
Communication Interface
High match
Package Footprint
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
APDS-9190
Broadcom Limited
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 1627 Stückzahl
- Package
- 8-SMD Module
- Series
- Optische Sensoren und Umgebungslicht-, IR-, UV-Sensoren
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | APDS-9960 | APDS-9190 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor Type / Function | Digital proximity, ambient light, RGB color and gesture sensor | Digital proximity sensor | Defines the core functionality; the APDS-9960 integrates gesture and color sensing that the APDS-9190 lacks, so they are not functionally interchangeable. |
| Gesture Detection | Yes (up to 4-direction gesture sensing) | No | Gesture recognition is a key differentiator; designs requiring touchless gesture input cannot substitute the APDS-9190. |
| Ambient Light / RGB Color Sensing | Yes (ambient light and RGB color) | No | Ambient light and color sensing enable display brightness control and color temperature adjustment, functions unavailable on the APDS-9190. |
| Proximity Detection Range | Up to approximately 100 mm | Up to approximately 100 mm | Proximity range determines detection distance for presence sensing; both parts offer comparable short-range detection. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.4 V to 3.6 V | 2.4 V to 3.6 V | Operating voltage must match the system rail; identical ranges allow use in the same low-voltage designs. |
| Communication Interface | I2C | I2C | The bus interface must be compatible with the host controller; both use I2C, simplifying hardware reuse. |
| Package | 8-pin surface-mount (approximately 3.94 x 2.36 x 1.35 mm) | 8-pin surface-mount (approximately 3.94 x 2.36 x 1.35 mm) | Package footprint and dimensions affect PCB layout and assembly; matching packages ease board-level substitution. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | Temperature range determines suitability for industrial and consumer environments; identical ratings support similar applications. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | APDS-9960 | APDS-9190 |
|---|---|---|
| Part Status | Obsolete | Active |
| Type | Ambient | IR |
| Wavelength | 560nm | 850nm |
| Proximity Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Output Type | I2C | I²C |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.4V ~ 3.6V | 2.5V ~ 3.6V |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C ~ 85°C | -30°C ~ 85°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
| Base Product Number | APDS-9960 | - |
| Packaging | Cut Tape (CT), Tape & Reel (TR) | - |
Frequently asked questions
What are the primary functional differences between the APDS-9960 and APDS-9190?
The APDS-9960 is a digital proximity, ambient light, RGB, and gesture sensor integrating an IR LED and four directional photodiodes for gesture detection. The APDS-9190 is a digital proximity sensor with an integrated IR LED and ambient light sensing, but it does not include RGB color sensing or gesture detection capability.
Do the APDS-9960 and APDS-9190 share the same package and pinout?
Both devices are offered in an 8-pin surface-mount package with similar footprint dimensions, but designers must verify the specific package drawing and pin assignment in the respective manufacturer datasheets, as pin functions and land patterns may differ between the two parts.
Which device supports gesture recognition?
Only the APDS-9960 supports gesture recognition. It uses four directional photodiodes and an integrated IR LED to detect near-field hand motion. The APDS-9190 does not provide gesture sensing functionality.
Can the APDS-9190 be used as a direct drop-in replacement for the APDS-9960?
No. Because the APDS-9960 includes RGB color sensing and gesture detection that the APDS-9190 lacks, a direct drop-in replacement is not possible without validating that the target design does not require those features and confirming package, pinout, and register-level compatibility against manufacturer documentation.
What communication interface do both sensors use?
Both the APDS-9960 and APDS-9190 use an I2C digital interface for configuration and data readout, with interrupt output support. Designers should confirm the specific I2C address options and register maps in the respective datasheets.
Do both devices include an integrated IR LED for proximity sensing?
Yes. Both the APDS-9960 and APDS-9190 integrate an IR LED and proximity detection circuitry, eliminating the need for an external discrete IR emitter in proximity applications.
Which sensor is more suitable for ambient light and color temperature applications?
The APDS-9960 is more suitable because it provides RGB color sensing in addition to ambient light measurement, enabling color temperature and RGB-based applications. The APDS-9190 provides ambient light sensing but does not offer RGB color channels.
Are both devices operated at the same supply voltage range?
Both devices are designed for low-voltage operation typical of mobile and consumer electronics. Exact supply voltage ranges, current consumption, and I/O levels must be confirmed from the official manufacturer datasheets for each part before design integration.