Texas Instruments LIGHTSOURCE01EVM

Overview

LIGHTSOURCE01EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed as a stable, uniform light source for device-level and system-level calibration of TI ambient light sensors (ALS) and color sensors. It delivers programmable correlated color temperature (CCT) modes-6400K (Noon) and 4200K (Sunset)-with ±1% irradiance stability over time and ±1% spatial uniformity across a 1-inch diameter spot at 12 inches distance, enabling production-line sensor calibration under repeatable lighting conditions.

For engineers reviewing the LIGHTSOURCE01EVM datasheet, LIGHTSOURCE01EVM pinout, LIGHTSOURCE01EVM application, or LIGHTSOURCE01EVM equivalent, key selection considerations include USB-controlled CCT and lux adjustment, dual-COM-port serial interface compatibility, 15V/3A external power requirement, mechanical rail-mounting support, and integration with TI's Latte GUI and Python-based automation scripts for high-throughput calibration workflows.

Technical Context

The LIGHTSOURCE01EVM implements a dual-LED spectral architecture to replicate standardized daylight spectra: one channel optimized for 6400K (Noon) and another for 4200K (Sunset), each independently controllable via serial commands or GUI. Its optical design ensures <±1% irradiance variation at maximum output and maintains spectral fidelity verified per Figures 1–2 and 1–3 in SLOU583A.

Hardware operation relies on two dedicated USB-to-serial interfaces-one for control (HWR? returns 'C') and one for data (HWR? returns 'D')-both operating at 9600 baud, 8N1. The EVM includes onboard temperature monitoring (junction and sensor board), LED lamp hour tracking, and thermal fault protection that disables LEDs if junction temperature exceeds 80°C or any sensor reads >70°C.

Key Specifications

Availability

LIGHTSOURCE01EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ambient light sensor calibration, production-line optical sensor testing, and system-level compensation validation requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for LIGHTSOURCE01EVM includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and sensing technologies, with over 90 years of innovation in precision analog and signal chain solutions.

The LIGHTSOURCE01EVM belongs to TI's optical sensing evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate development and production calibration of TI's ambient light and color sensor ICs-including OPT300x, OPT4001, and related devices-by delivering metrology-grade lighting reproducibility.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the LIGHTSOURCE01EVM?

The LIGHTSOURCE01EVM is a calibrated, stable light source designed exclusively for device-level and system-level calibration of Texas Instruments ambient light sensors (ALS) and color sensors. It provides repeatable 6400K (Noon) and 4200K (Sunset) spectral outputs with ±1% irradiance stability and uniformity, enabling accurate compensation factor derivation in production environments where dark cover glass, lenses, or diffusers affect sensor response. The LIGHTSOURCE01EVM ensures metrologically consistent calibration across units and test setups.

Does the LIGHTSOURCE01EVM include a power supply?

No, the LIGHTSOURCE01EVM does not ship with a power supply. It requires an external 15 V DC, 3 A power adapter with a barrel connector (5.5 mm OD / 2.1 mm ID / 9.5 mm length). Operation is guaranteed only within this exact specification; using alternate voltages or current ratings will prevent proper function. The LIGHTSOURCE01EVM includes a microUSB cable for host communication but relies entirely on the user-supplied external power source for LED operation.

How is the LIGHTSOURCE01EVM controlled-via GUI or command line?

The LIGHTSOURCE01EVM supports both GUI and programmatic control. The official TI Latte GUI (LIGHTSOURCE01EVM_GUI.exe) provides intuitive sliders, mode selection, and real-time status display. For automation, it accepts ASCII serial commands over two dedicated COM ports (control port 'C', data port 'D') at 9600 baud, 8N1-enabling integration into Python scripts (e.g., devInit.py, mLightController.py) or terminal tools like Tera Term. All functions-including LED power, mode, lux level, and temperature query-are accessible via documented commands in Table 4-1 of SLOU583A.

What mechanical mounting options does the LIGHTSOURCE01EVM offer?

The LIGHTSOURCE01EVM features a built-in rail mount on its underside, consisting of two parallel T-slot rails compatible with standard M3 screws for rigid fixture attachment. This allows precise, repeatable positioning in calibration jigs or production test stands. Mechanical CAD drawings (Figure 5-1) specify full dimensions-including 159.8 mm × 80.0 mm footprint and 45.7 mm height-and confirm compatibility with common optical bench hardware. No assembly is required-the LIGHTSOURCE01EVM ships fully assembled and ready for mounting.

Can the LIGHTSOURCE01EVM be used with non-TI ambient light sensors?

While optimized for TI ALS and color sensors (e.g., OPT3004, OPT4001), the LIGHTSOURCE01EVM is a general-purpose stable light source with defined CCT, irradiance range, and uniformity-making it technically usable with third-party sensors. However, TI does not validate or guarantee performance with non-TI devices, and calibration workflows (e.g., GUI integration, script libraries, spectral alignment) are designed explicitly for TI sensor families. Users integrating the LIGHTSOURCE01EVM with non-TI sensors must independently verify spectral match, dynamic range coverage, and interface compatibility. The LIGHTSOURCE01EVM itself imposes no electrical or protocol restrictions beyond its USB serial interface and 15 V power requirement.