The ML8511 is an outstanding UV sensor perfect for both indoor and outdoor UV intensity measurement. It comes with an in - built amplifier that smartly converts photo - current to voltage according to the UV intensity. This makes it incredibly easy to interface with external circuits like ADCs. In power - down mode, it has a typical standby current of just 0.1A, significantly extending battery life. It most effectively detects light in the 280 - 390nm range, covering a large part of the UVB (burning rays) and UVA (tanning rays) spectra. It outputs an analog voltage that has a linear relationship with the measured UV intensity (mW/cm2). If your microcontroller can handle analog - to - voltage conversion, you can easily detect the UV level.
**Features**:
- The photodiode is highly sensitive to both UV - A and UV - B.
- It has an embedded operational amplifier.
- Offers analog voltage output.
- Low supply current (300A typical) and low standby current (0.1A typical).
- Comes in a small and thin surface - mount package (4.0mm x 3.7mm x 0.73mm(0.16' x 0.15' x 0.03'), 12 - pin ceramic QFN).
**Applications**:
- Ideal for smartphones, smart watches, weather stations, bicycle navigation devices, accessories, and gaming products.
**Specifications**:
- Supply Voltage: DC 5V
- Operating Temperature: - 20~70°C
- Sensitivity Region: UV - A and UV - B
- Sensitivity Wave Length: 280 - 390nm
- Module Size: 30 x 22mm(1.18 x 0.87')
**Documents**:
- Wiki Doc
- Schematic
- ML8511 datasheet
- UV Effects on Humans
- UV FAQS
- Ultraviolet index
**Shipping List**:
- UV Sensor v1.0 - ML8511 x1
Using the ML8511 UV sensor is quite straightforward. First, connect the sensor to your microcontroller. Make sure the supply voltage is set to DC 5V as specified. Once connected, the sensor will start detecting UV light in the 280 - 390nm range. If your microcontroller can convert the analog voltage output of the sensor, you'll be able to get the UV intensity readings.
When using the sensor, keep it in mind that the operating temperature should be between - 20°C and 70°C. Don't expose it to extreme temperatures outside this range as it may affect the sensor's performance.
For maintenance, the sensor is a solid - state device, so there's not much you need to do. Just keep it clean and free from dust. If you're not using the sensor for a long time, put it in power - down mode to save battery life. Remember, the low standby current of 0.1A in this mode will help preserve the battery.
