Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division VEML3328-SB

Overview

VEML3328-SB from Vishay Semiconductors is a fully assembled sensor evaluation board built around the VEML3328 RGBW color sensor IC, featuring integrated white, RGB, and infrared LEDs, I²C interface (SDA/SCL), 3.3 V operation, and edge connector for SensorXplorer compatibility. It enables real-time spectral response measurement in ambient light sensing and display calibration applications.

For engineers reviewing the VEML3328-SB datasheet, VEML3328-SB pinout, VEML3328-SB application, or VEML3328-SB equivalent, this board delivers ready-to-run hardware for rapid prototyping of color-aware systems including smart lighting control, mobile display auto-brightness, and industrial color matching-without custom PCB design or firmware development.

Technical Context

The VEML3328-SB implements a complete optical evaluation platform with on-board VEML3328 sensor IC, PCA9554 I/O expander (TSSOP-16), five discrete Si2302 MOSFETs for LED control, and four surface-mount LEDs (VLMRGB343, VLMW51Q2R3, VSMY1850X01). All signal routing follows I²C protocol timing per VEML3328 specification, with 3.3 V power domain and configurable interrupt output (INT) tied to U2 P7.

Board-level functionality includes independent enable control for white, RGB, and IR LEDs via GPIO-driven MOSFETs, analog channel readout (R/G/B/W/IR), and software-configurable integration time and gain settings-all accessible through the SensorXplorer GUI or custom I²C host code using standard register map addresses (0x00–0x06).

Key Specifications

Availability

VEML3328-SB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ambient light sensing, display backlight control, and color-matching validation requiring stable component supply and pre-validated optical subsystem performance.

Supply support for VEML3328-SB 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

Vishay Semiconductors is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive components, specializing in optoelectronics, power management, and sensing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The VEML3328-SB belongs to Vishay's Sensor Board family designed specifically to accelerate evaluation and integration of their digital optical sensors-including color, ambient light, and proximity devices-into end-product designs with minimal engineering overhead.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the VEML3328-SB?

The VEML3328-SB is a sensor evaluation board that integrates the VEML3328 RGBW color sensor IC with supporting circuitry including white, RGB, and IR LEDs, MOSFET drivers, and an I/O expander. Its purpose is to provide immediate hardware access to spectral measurements for prototyping color-sensing applications without custom design. The VEML3328-SB connects directly to Vishay's SensorXplorer or any I²C host system via its 16-pin edge connector.

Does the VEML3328-SB require external pull-up resistors when used standalone?

Yes - when used independently of the SensorXplorer, the VEML3328-SB requires external 2.4 kΩ to 10 kΩ pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines, as stated in the schematic documentation (Fig. 4, Rev. 3). These are not populated on the board itself. The VEML3328-SB relies on host-side termination for proper I²C bus operation outside the SensorXplorer ecosystem.

Which LEDs are included on the VEML3328-SB and how are they controlled?

The VEML3328-SB includes three LED types: VLMRGB343 (RGB), VLMW51Q2R3 (white), and VSMY1850X01 (850 nm IR). Each is driven by a dedicated Si2302 MOSFET (Q1–Q5), with control signals routed through the PCA9554 I/O expander (U2). The VEML3328-SB enables independent on/off control of each LED group via I²C commands to U2's port registers, allowing synchronized illumination during spectral acquisition.

Can the VEML3328-SB operate from a 5 V supply?

No - the VEML3328-SB is designed for 3.3 V operation only. While the edge connector exposes both +3.3 V and +5 V pins, the VEML3328 sensor IC, PCA9554, and all onboard logic require 3.3 V. Applying 5 V to VDD will damage the VEML3328-SB. Power must be supplied to the +3.3 V pin; the +5 V pin is reserved for SensorXplorer's internal regulator and must remain unpowered when using the VEML3328-SB standalone.

Is the VEML3328-SB compatible with custom microcontroller firmware?

Yes - the VEML3328-SB communicates exclusively over standard I²C using the VEML3328's documented register map (addresses 0x00–0x06) and supports common clock speeds (100/400 kHz). Developers can implement direct register reads/writes for ambient light, RGBW, and IR data, while controlling LEDs via PCA9554 port writes. The VEML3328-SB requires no proprietary drivers or middleware, making it fully interoperable with custom firmware on ARM, ESP32, PIC, or other I²C-capable hosts.