TAOS - TSL1401 - Sensor, Linear Array. 128 x 1 Sensor Element, DIP-8, New.

The TAOS TSL1401 is a 128 x 1 linear optical sensor array that integrates a row of 128 photodiodes, charge amplifiers, and internal pixel data-hold circuitry. It captures light intensity across a single dimension (one line), outputting sequential analog voltage levels for each pixel. Originally manufactured by Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions (TAOS, later ams OSRAM), it is a classic component frequently used in line-tracking smart cars, edge detection, and basic 1D barcode scanning.

Note: Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions (TAOS) was originally formed as a management buyout spinoff from Texas Instruments in 1998.

Technical Specifications

• Resolution: 128 pixels arranged linearly (128 × 1).
• Pixel Density: 400 Dots-Per-Inch (DPI) sensor pitch.
• Pixel Size: 63.5 µm (H) by 55.5 µm (W) with a 63.5 µm center-to-center spacing.
• Operating Voltage: 4.5V to 5.5V for the original legacy TSL1401 (3.0V to 5.5V for newer variants like the TSL1401R or TSL1401CL).
• Clock Frequency: Up to 2 MHz (Original TSL1401) or up to 8 MHz for the "R" variant.
• Dynamic Range: 4000:1 (72 dB)

Functional Overview

·        Integration (Exposure): Light hitting each photodiode generates a charge proportional to the light intensity and exposure time.

·        The SI Pulse: Sending a high pulse to the SI (Serial Input) pin tells the internal shift register to start the reading process. It shifts all pixel charges to holding capacitors simultaneously so the array can begin a fresh exposure immediately while you read the old data.

·        Data Retrieval: On every subsequent clock cycle (CLK), the chip outputs the analog voltage of the next pixel in sequence (from pixel 1 to 128) on the AO pin. Your microcontroller must sample this pin using an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).

Critical Application Note:

The legacy TSL1401 features an open-drain output architecture. Unlike modern CMOS logic or active op-amp arrays, it requires an external 330 Ω pull-down resistor connected from the analog output (AO) pin to Ground to register a signal. If you are replacing an old chip with the updated TSL1401R or TSL1401CL, keep in mind that the newer versions feature an integrated rail-to-rail op-amp output buffer and do not require that external load resistor.

Applications: Industrial, Medical, Hobbyist, Robotic, Arduino Projects and Educational Platforms.

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