MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
General Description
The MAX44006/MAX44008 integrate six sensors in two
products: red, green, blue (RGB) sensors; an ambient
light (clear) sensor; a temperature sensor; and an ambi-
ent infrared sensor with an I2C interface. These highly
integrated optical sensors include a temperature sensor
to improve reliability and performance.
The devices compute the light information with six paral-
lel data converters allowing simultaneous light measure-
ment in a very short time. The devices consume only
15FA (MAX44006) and 16FA (MAX44008) separately in
RGBC + TEMP + IR mode, and also have the ability to
operate at 1.7V to 2.0V (MAX44006) and 2.7V to 5.5V
supply voltage (MAX44008).
The devices’ RGB sensing capability improves the
performance of end products by providing robust and
precise information for ambient color-sensing and
color-temperature measurement.
The devices’ superior infrared and 50Hz/60Hz rejection
provide robust readings. The wide dynamic range light
measurement makes these products perfect candidates
for many color measurement applications.
The on-chip ambient sensor has the ability to make wide
dynamic range (0.002~8388.61FW/cm2) lux measure-
ments. The devices’ digital computation power provides
programmability and flexibility for end-product design. A
programmable interrupt pin minimizes the need to poll
the devices for data, freeing up microcontroller resourc-
es, reducing system software overhead, and ultimately
reducing power consumption. All these features are
included in a tiny 2mm x 2mm x 0.6mm optical package.
Applications
TVs/Display Systems
Tablet PCs/Notebooks/e-Readers
Printers
LED and Laser Projectors
Digital Light Management
Industrial Sensors
Tablets
Color Correction
Features
S Optical Sensor Fusion for True Color Sensing
Seven Parallel ADCs
R, G, B, IR, ALS Sensing
S Superior Sensitivity
0.001 Lux
S Optimized for Overall System Power Consumption
10µA (MAX44006)/10µA (MAX44008) in Ambient
Mode
15µA (MAX44006)/16µA (MAX44008) in RGBC +
IR Mode
0.01µA (MAX44006)/0.5µA (MAX44008) in
Shutdown Mode
S Digital Functionalities
Programmable Channel Gains
Adjustable Interrupt Thresholds
S High-Level Integration
Six Sensors in a 2mm x 2mm x 0.6mm
Package
Functional Diagram
19-6298; Rev 1; 8/12
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
For related parts and recommended products to use with this part,
refer to www.maximintegrated.com/MAX44006.related.
EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
I2C
14-BIT
ADC
14-BIT
ADC
14-BIT
ADC
MICROCONTROLLER
SDA
SCL
14-BIT
ADC
14-BIT
ADC
14-BIT
ADC
AMB
PGA
AMB
PGA
AMB
PGA
AMB
PGA
AMB
PGA
AMB
PGA
RED
GREEN
BLUE
CLEAR
COMP
GND
GND
AO
VDD
INT
MAX44006
MAX44008
14-BIT
ADC
TEMP
IR
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct
at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
2Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
VDD to GND (MAX44006) ....................................-0.3V to +2.2V
VDD to GND (MAX44008) ...................................-0.3V to +6.0V
A0, INT, SCL, SDA to GND ..................................-0.3V to +6.0V
Output Short-Circuit Current Duration .......................Continuous
Continuous Input Current into Any Terminal ................... Q20mA
Continuous Power Dissipation
(derate 11.9mW/NC above +70NC) ..............................953mW
Operating Temperature Range .......................... -40NC to +85NC
Soldering Temperature (reflow) ......................................+260NC
OTDFN (Note 1)
Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance (BJA) .…+83.9°C/W
Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance (BJC) ............ +37°C/W
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
Note 1: Package thermal resistances were obtained using the method described in JEDEC specification JESD51-7, using a four-layer
board. For detailed information on package thermal considerations, refer to www.maximintegrated.com/thermal-tutorial.
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional opera-
tion of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute
maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
PACKAGE THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS (Note 1)
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VDD = 1.8V (MAX44006), VDD = 3.3V (MAX44008), TA = +25NC, min/max are from -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 2)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
COLOR-SENSOR CHARACTERISTICS
Maximum Sensitivity (Note 3)
Clear = 538nm 0.002
FW/cm2
Red = 630nm 0.002
Green = 538nm 0.002
Blue = 470nm 0.004
Infrared = 850nm 0.002
Maximum Sense Capability
Clear = 538nm 8388
FW/cm2
Red = 630nm 8388
Green = 538nm 8388
Blue = 470nm 16,777
Infrared = 850nm 8388
Total Error TE
Power = 10FW/cm2, red = 630nm,
green = 538nm, blue = 470nm,
TA = +25NC, clear = 538nm, IR = 850nm
2 15 %
Gain Matching Red to green to blue, TA = +25NC 0.5 10 %
Power-Up Time tON 10 ms
Dark-Level Counts 6.25ms conversion time, 0 lux, TA = +25NC 2 Counts
ADC Conversion Time
14-bit resolution (Note 4) 400
ms
14-bit resolution, TA = +25NC100
12-bit resolution 25
10-bit resolution 6.25
8-bit resolution 1.5625
3Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VDD = 1.8V (MAX44006), VDD = 3.3V (MAX44008), TA = +25NC, min/max are from -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 2)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
ADC Conversion Accuracy TA = +25NC1 10 %
TA = -40NC to +85NC (Note 5) 2 15
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Accuracy (Note 5) TA = +25NC~+55NC±1±3 NC
TA = 0NC~+70NC±2±5
Resolution 0.25 NC/LSB
POWER SUPPLY
Power-Supply Voltage VDD
MAX44006, guaranteed by total error 1.7 2 V
MAX44008, guaranteed by total error 2.7 5.5
Quiescent Current IDD
MAX44006, CLEAR mode 10 18
FA
MAX44006, RGBC + IR mode 15 30
MAX44008, CLEAR mode 10 18
MAX44008, RGBC + IR mode 16 30
Software Shutdown Current ISHDN
MAX44006, TA = +25NC1FA
MAX44008, TA = +25NC1.5
DIGITAL CHARACTERISTICS—SDA, INT, A0
Output Low Voltage SDA VOL ISINK = 6mA 0.4 V
I2C Input Voltage High VIH SDA, SCL, A0 1.4 V
I2C Input Voltage Low VIL SDA, SCL, A0 0.4 V
Input Hysteresis VHYS 200 mV
Input Capacitance CIN 10 pF
Input Leakage Current IIN
VIN = 0V, TA = +25NC0.1 FA
VIN = 5.5V, TA = +25NC0.1
I2C TIMING CHARACTERISTICS (Note 6)
Serial Clock Frequency fSCL 0 400 kHz
Bus Free Time Between STOP
and START tBUF 1.3 Fs
Hold Time (Repeated) START
Condition tHD,STA 0.6 Fs
Low Period of the SCL Clock tLOW 1.3 Fs
High Period of the SCL Clock tHIGH 0.6 Fs
Setup Time for a Repeated START tSU.STA 0.6 Fs
Setup Time for STOP Condition tSU,STO 0.6 Fs
Data Hold Time tHD,DAT 0 0.9 Fs
Data Setup Time tSU,DAT 100 ns
Bus Capacitance CB400 pF
4Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Typical Operating Characteristics
(VDD = 1.8V (MAX44006), VDD = 3.3V (MAX44008), TA = +25NC, min/max are from -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.)
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VDD = 1.8V (MAX44006), VDD = 3.3V (MAX44008), TA = +25NC, min/max are from -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 2)
Note 2: 100% production tested at TA = +25NC. Specifications over temperature limits are guaranteed by bench or ATE characterization.
Note 3: In AMBTIM[2:0] mode (100ms integration time).
Note 4: At 14-bit resolution mode. Sensitivity is 4 times higher with 400ms integration time than 100ms integration time.
Note 5: Production tested only at +25NC, guaranteed by bench characterization across temperature.
Note 6: Design guidance only, not production tested.
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
SDA and SCL Receiving Rise
Time tR20 +
0.1CB 300 ns
SDA and SCL Receiving Fall
Time tF20 +
0.1CB 300 ns
SDA Transmitting Fall Time tf 20 +
0.1CB 250 ns
Pulse Width of Suppressed Spike tSP 0 50 ns
WAVELENGTH vs. COUNTS
MAX44006/08 toc01
WAVELENGTH (nm)
COUNTS
950 1050850750650550450350
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
0
250
CLEAR
RED
GREEN
BLUE
IR
COMPENSATION DISABLED
POWER DENSITY 15.83 µW/cm2
AMBPGA [1:0] = 00
AMBTIM[2:0] = 000
SPECTRUM OF LIGHT SOURCES
FOR MEASUREMENT
MAX44006/08 toc02
WAVELENGTH (nm)
NORMALIZED RESPONSE
900800400 500 600 700
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
0
300 1000
INCANDESCENT
SUNLIGHT
FLUORESCENT
RADIATION PATTERN
MAX44006/08 toc03
ANGLE OF INCIDENCE IN DEGREE
NORMALIZED COUNTS (%)
70503010-10-30-50-70-90 90
20
40
60
80
100
0
CLEAR CHANNEL
AMBPGA [1:0]= 00
AMBTIM [2:0] =000
PARALLEL TO DIP PINS DIRECTION
PERPENDICULAR TO DIP PINS DIRECTION
5Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VDD = 1.8V (MAX44006), VDD = 3.3V (MAX44008), TA = +25NC, min/max are from -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.)
TEMPERATURE SENSOR READINGS
vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX44006/08 toc10
TEMPERATURE (°C)
TEMPERATURE SENSOR READINGS (°C)
70 8050 60-10 0 10 20 30 40-30 -20
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
-40
-40
80y = 0.0001x2 + 0.9709x + 1.7085
x : TEMPERATURE
y: TEMPERATURE SENSOR READINGS
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. LUX
(MAX44006)
MAX44006/08 toc09
REFERENCE METER READING (lux)
SUPPLY CURRNET (µA)
10,0001,00010010
5
10
15
20
25
30
0
1 100,000
TEST CONDITIONS:
CLEAR + RGB + IR MODE
LIGHT SOURCE: SUNLIGHT
VDD = 1.8V
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE
(MAX44006)
MAX44006/08 toc08
TEMPERATURE (°C)
SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)
806040200-20
5
10
15
20
25
0
-40 100
CLEAR
CLEAR+IR
CLEAR+RGB+IR
TEST CONDITIONS:
AMBTIM[2:0] = 000, ALL PGA SETTING = 0
CLEAR CHANNEL RESPONSE TO WHITE LED
MAX44006/08 toc07
POWER DENSITY (µW/cm2)
COUNTS READINGS
1,00010010
10
100
1,000
10,000
100,000
1
1 10,000
PGA [1:0] = 00
PGA [1:0] = 01
PGA [1:0] = 10
PGA [1:0] = 11
TEST CONDITION:
AMBTIM[2:0] = 000
LINIARITY RESPONSE vs. RGB LED
MAX44006/08 toc06
POWER DENSITY (µW/cm2)
COUNTS
45040035030025020015010050
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
0
0
BLUE CHANNEL RESPONSE vs. BLUE LED
TEST CONDITIONS:
WHEN THE COUNT READINGS IN ONE
PGA SETTING ARE SATURATED,
CHANGE PGA SETTING TO THE
LOWER SENSITIVITY PGA
GAIN SETTING.
EX: PGA [1:0] =00 ->
PGA [1:0] = 01
CLEAR CHANNEL RESPONSE vs. GREEN LED
GREEN CHANNEL RESPONSE vs. GREEN LED
RED CHANNEL RESPONSE vs. RED LED
RESPONSE OF CLEAR AND IR CHANNELS
WITH FLUROSCENT LIGHT
MAX44006/08 toc05
ILLUMINANCE (lux)
READINGS (COUNTS)
900800600 700200 300 400 500100
25,000
50,000
75,000
100,000
125,000
150,000
175,000
200,000
225,000
0
0 1000
TEST CONDITIONS:
WHEN THE COUNT READINGS IN ONE PGA
SETTING ARE SATURATED, CHANGE PGA SETTING
TO THE LOWER SENSITIVITY PGA GAIN SETTING.
EX: PGA [1:0] = 00 -> PGA [1:0] = 01
CENTER TRIMMED UNIT
CLEAR CHANNEL
IR CHANNEL
RESPONSE OF CLEAR AND IR CHANNELS
WITH INCANDESCENT LIGHT
MAX44006/08 toc04
ILLUMINANCE (lux)
READINGS (COUNTS)
900800100 200 300 500 600400 700
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
800,000
0
0 1000
CLEAR CHANNEL
IR CHANNEL
TEST CONDITIONS:
WHEN THE COUNT READINGS IN ONE PGA
SETTING ARE SATURATED, CHANGE PGA SETTING
TO THE LOWER SENSITIVITY PGA GAIN SETTING.
EX: PGA [1:0] = 00 -> PGA [1:0] = 01
CENTER TRIMMED UNIT
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE
(MAX44008)
MAX44006/08 toc08a
TEMPERATURE (°C)
SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)
806040200-20
5
10
15
20
25
0
-40 100
CLEAR AT 2.7VDD
CLEAR + IR AT 2.7VDD
CLEAR + RGB + IR AT 2.7VDD
CLEAR AT 5.5VDD
CLEAR + IR AT 5.5VDD
CLEAR + RGB + IR AT 5.5VDD
TEST CONDITIONS:
AMBTIM[2:0] = 000
AMBPGA[1:0] = 00
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. LUX
(MAX44008)
MAX44006/08 toc09a
REFERENCE METER READING (lux)
SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)
10,0001,00010 100
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
0
1 100,000
TEST CONDITIONS:
CLEAR + RGB + IR MODE
AMBTIM = 000, AMBPGA = 00
LIGHT SOURCE: SUNLIGHT
VDD = 2.7V AND 5.5V
SUPPLY CURRENT (µA) AT 2.7VDD
SUPPLY CURRENT (µA) AT 5.5VDD
6Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VCC = 1.8V (MAX44006), VCC = 3.3V (MAX44008), TA = +25NC, min/max are from -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.)
BLUE CHANNEL LINIARITY RESPONSE
MAX44066/08 toc15
POWER DENSITY (µW/cm2)
COUNTS READINGS
400350250 300100 150 20050
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
0
0 450
PGA [1:0] = 00
PGA [1:0] = 01
PGA [1:0] = 10
PGA [1:0] = 11
LIGHT SOURCE:
470nm GREEN LED
GREEN CHANNEL LINIARITY RESPONSE
MAX44066/08 toc14
POWER DENSITY (µW/cm2)
COUNTS READINGS
400350250 300100 150 20050
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
0
0 450
LIGHT SOURCE:
530nm GREEN LED
PGA [1:0] = 00
PGA [1:0] = 01
PGA [1:0] = 10
PGA [1:0] = 11
RED CHANNEL LINIARITY RESPONSE
MAX44066/08 toc13
POWER DENSITY (µW/cm2)
COUNTS READINGS
400350250 300100 150 20050
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
0
0 450
PGA [1:0] = 00
PGA [1:0] = 01
PGA [1:0] = 10
PGA [1:0] = 11
LIGHT SOURCE:
630nm RED LED
CLEAR CHANNEL LINIARITY RESPONSE
MAX44066/08 toc12
POWER DENSITY (µW/cm2)
COUNTS READINGS
400350250 300100 150 20050
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
0
0 450
PGA [1:0] = 00
PGA [1:0] = 01
PGA [1:0] = 10
PGA [1:0] = 11
LIGHT SOURCE:
530nm GREEN LED
SINK CURRENT vs. VINT LOW
MAX44006/08 toc11
VINT (V)
SINK CURRENT (mA)
0.350.300.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
0
0 0.40
TEST CONDITIONS:
AMBINT INTERRUPT CONDITION,VINT LOW
7Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Pin Configuration
Pin Description
Detailed Description
The MAX44006/MAX44008 combine a wide-dynamic
range color sensor capable of measuring red, green,
and blue (RGB) and infrared content of ambient light.
The devices also have a digital I2C interface, advanced
TEMP sensor, and interrupt pin functionality to make
interfacing with it easy. The die is placed inside an opti-
cally transparent (OTDFN) package.
A photodiode array inside the devices converts the light
to a current, which is then processed by low-power cir-
cuitry and a sigma-delta ADC into a digital bit stream.
The data is then stored in an output register that can be
read by an I2C master.
The user can choose whether to read just the clear chan-
nel, or clear + IR channel, or clear + RGB + IR channels.
Due to parallel conversion by on-chip ADCs, there is no
additional delay in making ambient light conversions for
multiple channels.
Key features of the devices include high-level integration,
low-power design, small packaging, and interrupt pin
operation. An on-chip programmable interrupt function
eliminates the need to continually poll the devices for
data, resulting in a significant power saving.
PIN NAME FUNCTION
1 VDD Power Supply
2 GND Ground
3 A0 Address Select. Pull high to select address 1000 100x (MAX44006), 1000 000x (MAX44008) or low
to select address 1000 101x (MAX44006), 1000 001x (MAX44008).
4INT Interrupt
5 SCL I2C Clock
6 SDA I2C Data
13
465
SDA SCL
2
VDD A0
INT
GND
TOP VIEW
MAX44006
MAX44008
8Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Figure 1. Wavelength vs. Counts
Ambient Light Sensing
Ambient light sensors are designed to detect brightness
the same way human eyes do. To achieve this, the light
sensor needs to have a spectral sensitivity that is identi-
cal to the photopic curve of the human eye. See Figure 1.
The devices’ color sensors are designed to accurately
derive the color chromaticity and intensity of ambient
light. With parallel ADC conversion circuits, conversion
data from multiple channels can be read at the same
time. An interrupt signal can also be dynamically con-
figured with higher and lower thresholds, and a persist
timer. The interrupt is latched until the master reads the
Interrupt Status register. This allows the master to stay
in power-efficient sleep mode until a change in lighting
condition alerts it.
Variation between light sources can extend beyond
the visible spectral range—fluorescent, incandescent,
and sunlight, for example, have substantially different
IR radiation content. The devices incorporate on-chip
measurement of RGBC and IR of compensation of ambi-
ent light, allowing accurate lux detection in a variety of
lighting conditions, as well as identification of type of
light source.
On-chip user-programmable clear, RGB, infrared chan-
nel gain registers allow the light sensor response to also
be tailored for specific applications, such as when the
light sensor is placed under a colored or black glass.
Temperature Sensor
The devices also integrate a temperature sensor that
can be used for ambient temperature measurement and
compensation. A nonlinear response is designed to rep-
licate the effect of temperature on the photodiodes used
on the chip.
Register Description
REGISTER BIT7 BIT6 BIT5 BIT4 BIT3 BIT2 BIT1 BIT0 REGISTER
ADDRESS
POWER-
ON
RESET
STATE
R/W
STATUS
Interrupt
Status RESET SHDN PWRON AMBINTS 0x00 0X04 R/W
CONFIGURATION
Main
Configuration MODE[1:0] AMBSEL[1:0] AMBINTE 0x01 0x00 R/W
Ambient
Configuration TRIM COMPEN TEMPEN AMBTIM[2:0] AMBPGA[1:0] 0x02 0x20 R/W
WAVELENGTH vs. COUNTS
WAVELENGTH (nm)
COUNTS
950 1050850750650550450350
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
0
250
CLEAR
RED
GREEN
BLUE
IR
COMPENSATION DISABLED
POWER DENSITY 15.83µW/cm2
AMBPGA [1:0] = 00
AMBTIM[2:0] = 000
9Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Register Description (continued)
REGISTER BIT7 BIT6 BIT5 BIT4 BIT3 BIT2 BIT1 BIT0 REGISTER
ADDRESS
POWER-
ON
RESET
STATE
R/W
AMBIENT READING
Ambient
CLEAR High
Byte
AMB_CLEAR[13:8] 0x04 0x00 R
Ambient
CLEAR Low
Byte
AMB_CLEAR[7:0] 0x05 0x00 R
Ambient RED
High Byte AMB_RED[13:8] 0x06 0x00 R
Ambient RED
Low Byte AMB_RED[7:0] 0x07 0x00 R
Ambient
GREEN High
Byte
AMB_GREEN[13:8] 0x08 0x00 R
Ambient
GREEN Low
Byte
AMB_GREEN[7:0] 0x09 0x00 R
Ambient
BLUE High
Byte
AMB_BLUE[13:8] 0x0A 0x00 R
Ambient
BLUE Low
Byte
AMB_BLUE[7:0] 0x0B 0x00 R
Ambient
INFRARED
High Byte
AMB_IR[13:8] 0x0C 0x00 R
Ambient
INFRARED
Low Byte
AMB_IR[7:0] 0x0D 0x00 R
Ambient IR
COMP High
Byte
AMB_IRCOMP[13:8] 0x0E 0x00 R
Ambient IR
COMP Low
Byte
AMB_IRCOMP[7:0] 0x0F 0x00 R
TEMP High
Byte TEMP[13:8] 0x12 0x00 R
10Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Register Description (continued)
REGISTER BIT7 BIT6 BIT5 BIT4 BIT3 BIT2 BIT1 BIT0 REGISTER
ADDRESS
POWER-
ON
RESET
STATE
R/W
TEMP Low
Byte TEMP[7:0] 0x13 0x00 R
INTERRUPT THRESHOLDS
AMB Upper
Threshold—
High Byte
UPTHR[13:8] 0x14 0xFF R/W
AMB Upper
Threshold—
Low Byte
UPTHR[7:0] 0x15 0xFF R/W
AMB Lower
Threshold—
High Byte
LOTHR[13:8] 0x16 0x00 R/W
AMB Lower
Threshold—
Low Byte
LOTHR[7:0] 0x17 0x00 R/W
Threshold
Persist Timer AMBPST[1:0] 0x18 0x00 R/W
AMBIENT ADC GAINS
Digital
Gain Trim
of CLEAR
Channel
TRIM_GAIN_CLEAR[6:0] 0x1D 0xXX R/W
Digital Gain
Trim of RED
Channel
TRIM_GAIN_RED[6:0] 0x1E 0xXX R/W
Digital
Gain Trim
of GREEN
Channel
TRIM_GAIN_GREEN[6:0] 0x1F 0xXX R/W
Digital Gain
Trim of BLUE
Channel
TRIM_GAIN_BLUE[6:0] 0x20 0xXX R/W
Digital Gain
Trim of
INFRARED
Channel
TRIM_GAIN_IR[6:0] 0x21 0xXX R/W
11Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
The individual register bits are explained below.
Interrupt Status (0x00)
The AMBINTS bit in the Interrupt Status register 0x00 is a read-only bit, and indicates that an ambient light-interrupt
condition has occurred. If any of these bits (PWRON, AMBINTS) are set to 1, the INT pin is pulled low. The PWRON bit
in the Interrupt Status register 0x00 is a read-only bit, and if set, indicates that a power-on-reset (POR) condition has
occurred, and any user-programmed thresholds may not be valid anymore. The SHDN bit in the Interrupt Status register
0x00 is a read/write bit, and can be used to put the part into and bring out of shutdown for power saving. All register
data is retained during this operation. The RESET bit in the Interrupt Status register 0x00 is also a read/write bit, and
can be used to reset all the registers back to a power-on default condition.
Reading the Interrupt Status register clears the PWRON and AMBINTS bits if set, and deasserts the INT pin (INT pin is
pulled high by the off-chip pullup resistor). The AMBINTS bits are disabled and set to 0 if the respective INTE Interrupt
Enable bits in Register 0x01 are set to 0.
Table 1. Ambient INTERRUPT STATUS Flag (AMBINTS)
Table 3. Shutdown Control (SHDN)
Table 2. Power-On INTERRUPT STATUS Flag (PWRON)
REGISTER BIT7 BIT6 BIT5 BIT4 BIT3 BIT2 BIT1 BIT0 REGISTER
ADDRESS
POWER-
ON
RESET
STATE
R/W
Interrupt
Status RESET SHDN PWRON AMBINTS 0x00 0x04 R/W
BIT0 OPERATION
0No interrupt trigger event has occurred.
1
The ambient light has exceeded the designated window limits defined by the threshold registers for longer than persist
timer count AMBPST[1:0]. It also causes the INT pin to be pulled low. Once set, the only way to clear this bit is to read
this register. This bit is always set to 0 if AMBINTE bit is set to 0.
BIT2 OPERATION
0Normal operating mode.
1
The part went through a power-up event, either because the part was turned on, or because there was a power-supply
voltage glitch. All interrupt threshold settings in the registers have been reset to power-on default states, and should be
examined if necessary. The INT pin is also pulled low. Once this bit is set, the only way to clear this bit is to read this
register.
BIT3 OPERATION
0The part is in normal operation. When the part returns from shutdown, note that the value in data registers is not current
until the first conversion cycle is completed.
1
The part can be put into a power-save mode by writing a 1 to this bit. Supply current is reduced to approximately
0.01FA (MAX44006) and 0.5FA (MAX44008) with no I2C clock activity. While all registers remain accessible and
retain data, ADC conversion data contained in them may not be current. Writeable registers also remain accessible in
shutdown. All interrupts are cleared.
12Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Table 4. Reset Control (RESET)
Table 5. Ambient Interrupt Enable (AMBINTE)
Table 6. Ambient Interrupt Select (AMBSEL[1:0])
Main Configuration (0x01)
Writing to the Main Configuration register does not abort any ambient data conversion (registers 0x04 to 0x0F) if already
in progress. It applies the new settings during the next conversion period.
Note: Detection of an ambient interrupt event sets the AMBINTS bit (register 0x00, BIT0) only if AMBINTE bit is set to
1. If AMBINTS bits are set to 1, it pulls the interrupt INT pin low (asserts it). A read of the Interrupt Status register clears
AMBINTS bits if set to 1, and deasserts the INT pin if pulled low.
The 2 AMBSEL[1:0] bits define four operating modes for the devices. Ensure that the respective ambient channels also
enable use of the MODE[1:0] bits.
BIT4 OPERATION
0The part is in normal operation.
1
The part undergoes a forced POR sequence. All configuration, threshold, and data registers are reset to a power-on
state by writing a 1 to this bit, and an internal hardware reset pulse is generated. This bit then automatically becomes 0
after the RESET sequence is completed. After resetting, the PWRON interrupt is triggered.
REGISTER BIT7 BIT6 BIT5 BIT4 BIT3 BIT2 BIT1 BIT0 REGISTER
ADDRESS
POWER-
ON
RESET
STATE
R/W
Main
Configuration MODE[1:0] AMBSEL[1:0] AMBINTE 0x01 0x20 R/W
BIT0 OPERATION
0The AMBINTS bit and INT pin remain unasserted even if an ambient interrupt event has occurred. The AMBINTS bit is
set to 0 if previously set to 1. See Table 1 for more details.
1Detection of ambient interrupt events is enabled (see the AMBINTS bit for more details). An ambient interrupt can
trigger a hardware interrupt (INT pin pulled low) and set the AMBINTS bit (register 0x00, BIT0).
AMBSEL[1:0] OPERATION
00 CLEAR channel data is used to compare with ambient interrupt thresholds and ambient timer settings.
01 GREEN channel data is used to compare with ambient interrupt thresholds and ambient timer settings.
10 IR channel data is used to compare with ambient interrupt thresholds and ambient timer settings.
11 TEMP channel data is used to compare with ambient interrupt thresholds and ambient timer settings.
13Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Table 7. MODE[1:0]
The 2 MODE[1:0] bits define three operating modes for the devices, as shown in Table 7.
Writing to the Ambient Configuration register aborts any ambient data conversion (registers 0x04 to 0x0F) if already in
progress, applies the new settings immediately, and initiates a new conversion.
Ambient Configuration Register (0x02)
*When TEMPEN set to 1.
MODE[1:0] OPERATING MODE COMMENTS
00 Clear CLEAR + TEMP* channels active
01 Clear + IR CLEAR + TEMP* + IR channels active
10 Clear + RGB + IR CLEAR + TEMP* + RGB + IR channels active
REGISTER BIT7 BIT6 BIT5 BIT4 BIT3 BIT2 BIT1 BIT0 REGISTER
ADDRESS
POWER-
ON
RESET
STATE
R/W
Ambient
Configuration TRIM COMPEN TEMPEN AMBTIM[2:0] AMBPGA[1:0] 0x02 0x00 R/W
14Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Table 8. AMBPGA[1:0]
The 2 AMBPGA[1:0] bits set the gain of the clear/red/green/blue/IR channel measurements according to Table 8.
In AMBTIM[2:0] = 000 Mode (100ms integration time)
AMBPGA[1:0]
CLEAR RED GREEN
nW/cm2 per
LSB*
FULL SCALE
(µW/cm2)
nW/cm2 per
LSB*
FULL SCALE
(µW/cm2)
nW/cm2 per
LSB*
FULL SCALE
(µW/cm2)
00 2 32.768 2 32.768 2 32.768
01 8 131.072 8 131.072 8 131.072
10 32 524.288 32 524.288 32 524.288
11 512 8388.61 512 8388.61 512 8388.61
AMBPGA[1:0]
BLUE IR
nW/cm2 per
LSB*
FULL SCALE
(µW/cm2)
nW/cm2 per
LSB*
FULL SCALE
(µW/cm2)
00 4 65.536 2 32.768
01 16 262.144 8 131.072
10 64 1048.573 32 524.288
11 1024 16777.2 512 8388.61
In AMBTIM[2:0] = 100 Mode (400ms integration time)
AMBPGA[1:0]
CLEAR RED GREEN
nW/cm2 per
LSB*
FULL SCALE
(µW/cm2)
nW/cm2 per
LSB*
FULL SCALE
(µW/cm2)
nW/cm2 per
LSB*
FULL SCALE
(µW/cm2)
00 0.5 8.192 0.5 8.192 0.5 8.192
01 2 32.768 2 32.768 2 32.768
10 8 131.072 8 131.072 8 131.072
11 128 2097.153 128 2097.153 128 2097.153
AMBPGA[1:0]
BLUE IR
nW/cm2 per
LSB*
FULL SCALE
(µW/cm2)
nW/cm2 per
LSB*
FULL SCALE
(µW/cm2)
00 1 16.384 0.5 8.192
01 4 65.536 2 32.768
10 16 262.1433 8 131.072
11 256 4194.3 128 2097.153
15Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Table 12. TRIM Adjust Enable (TRIM)
Table 10. TEMPEN
Table 11. COMPEN
TEMPEN
COMPEN
The integration time of temperature sensor is controlled by the ambient mode settings. The temperature sensor is ena-
bled only if the clear channel is on.
The integration time of compensation channel is controlled by the AMB mode settings. The compensation is enabled
only when the clear channel is on. When COMPEN = 1, the CLEAR data is automatically compensated for stray IR
leakeds and temperature variations. When COMPEN = 0, the IR compensation is disabled, but the output of the IR
compensation data exits.
Table 9. AMBTIM[2:0]
The 3 AMBTIM[2:0] bits set the integration time for the red/green/blue/IR/temp channel ADC conversion, as shown in
Table 9.
BIT7 OPERATION
0Use factory-programmed gains for all the channels. Ignore any bytes written to TRIM_GAIN_GREEN[6:0],
TRIM_GAIN_RED[6:0], TRIM_GAIN_BLUE[6:0], TRIM_GAIN_CLEAR[6:0], and TRIM_GAIN_IR[6:0] registers.
1Use bytes written to TRIM_GAIN_GREEN[6:0], TRIM_GAIN_RED[6:0], TRIM_GAIN_BLUE[6:0], TRIM_GAIN_CLEAR[6:0],
and TRIM_GAIN_IR[6:0] registers to set the gain for each channel.
AMBTIM[2:0] INTEGRATION TIME
(ms)
FULL-SCALE ADC
(COUNTS) BIT RESOLUTION
RELATIVE LSB
SIZE FOR FIXED
AMBPGA[1:0]
000 100 16,384 14 1x
001 25 4,096 12 4x
010 6.25 1,024 10 16x
011 1.5625 256 8 64x
100 400 16,384 14 1/4x
101 Reserved Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable
110 Reserved Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable
111 Reserved Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable
BIT6 OPERATION
0Disables temperature sensor.
1Enables temperature sensor.
BIT5 OPERATION
0Disables IR compensation.
1Enables IR compensation. Only for MODE[1:0] = 00 Mode.
16Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
AMBIENT Data Register (0x04–0x0F)
AMB_CLEAR[13:0], AMB_RED[13:0], AMB_GREEN[13:0],AMB_BLUE[13:0], AMB_IR[13:0], and AMB_IRCOMP[13:0]
hold the 14-bit ADC data of the clear/red/green/blue/IR/COMP channels. AMB_IRCOMP[13:0] can be used to enhance
overtemperature performance of the devices. The resolution and bit length of the result is controlled by the value of the
AMBTIM[2:0] and AMBPGA[1:0] bits. The result is always right justified in the registers, and the unused high bits are
set to zero.
REGISTER BIT7 BIT6 BIT5 BIT4 BIT3 BIT2 BIT1 BIT0 REGISTER
ADDRESS
POWER-
ON
RESET
STATE
R/W
AMBIENT READING
Ambient
CLEAR High
Byte
AMB_CLEAR[13:8] 0x04 0x00 R
Ambient
CLEAR Low
Byte
AMB_CLEAR[7:0] 0x05 0x00 R
Ambient RED
High Byte AMB_RED[13:8] 0x06 0x00 R
Ambient RED
Low Byte AMB_RED[7:0] 0x07 0x00 R
Ambient
GREEN High
Byte
AMB_GREEN[13:8] 0x08 0x00 R
Ambient
GREEN Low
Byte
AMB_GREEN[7:0] 0x09 0x00 R
Ambient
BLUE High
Byte
AMB_BLUE[13:8] 0x0A 0x00 R
Ambient
BLUE Low
Byte
AMB_BLUE[7:0] 0x0B 0x00 R
Ambient
INFRARED
High Byte
AMB_IR[13:8] 0x0C 0x00 R
Ambient
INFRARED
Low Byte
AMB_IR[7:0] 0x0D 0x00 R
Ambient IR
COMP High
Byte
AMB_IRCOMP[13:8] 0x0E 0x00 R
Ambient IR
COMP Low
Byte
AMB_IRCOMP[7:0] 0x0F 0x00 R
17Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Temperature Data Register (0x12–0x13)
Ambient Interrupt Threshold Registers (0x14–0x17)
The ambient upper threshold and lower threshold (UPTHR[13:0] and LOTHR[13:0]) set the window limits that are used
to trigger an ambient interrupt, AMBINTS. It is important to set these values according to the selected bit resolution/inte-
gration time chosen for the ambient measurement based on the AMBTIM[2:0] and AMBPGA[1:0] settings. The upper 2
bits are always ignored. If the AMBINTE bit is set, and the selected ambient channel data is outside the upper or lower
thresholds for a period greater than that defined by the AMBPST persist time, the AMBINTS bit in the Status register is
set and the INT pin is pulled low.
REGISTER BIT7 BIT6 BIT5 BIT4 BIT3 BIT2 BIT1 BIT0 REGISTER
ADDRESS
POWER-
ON
RESET
STATE
R/W
TEMP High
Byte TEMP[13.8] 0x12 0X00 R
TEMP Low
Byte TEMP[7.0] 0x13 0X00 R
REGISTER BIT7 BIT6 BIT5 BIT4 BIT3 BIT2 BIT1 BIT0 REGISTER
ADDRESS
POWER-
ON
RESET
STATE
R/W
AMB Upper
Threshold—
High Byte
UPTHR[13:8] 0x14 0xFF R/W
AMB Upper
Threshold—
Low Byte
UPTHR[7:0] 0x15 0xFF R/W
AMB Lower
Threshold—
High Byte
LOTHR[13:8] 0x16 0x00 R/W
AMB Lower
Threshold—
Low Byte
LOTHR[7:0] 0x17 0x00 R/W
18Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Table 13. AMBPST[1:0]
Ambient Threshold Persist Timer Register (0x18)
AMBPST[1:0] sets one of four persist values in Table 13 that control a time delay before the interrupt logic reacts to a
detected event. This feature is added in order to reduce false or nuisance interrupts.
When AMBPST[1:0] is set to 00, and the AMBINTE bit is set to 1, the first time an AMB interrupt event is detected, the
AMBINTS interrupt bit is set and the INT pin goes low. If AMBPST[1:0] is set to 01, then four consecutive interrupt events
must be detected on four consecutive measurement cycles. Similarly, if AMBPST[1:0] is set to 10 or 11, then 8 or 16
consecutive interrupt events must be detected. If there is an intervening measurement cycle where no interrupt event
is detected, then the count is reset to zero.
REGISTER BIT7 BIT6 BIT5 BIT4 BIT3 BIT2 BIT1 BIT0 REGISTER
ADDRESS
POWER-
ON
RESET
STATE
R/W
Threshold
Persist Timer AMBPST[1:0] 0x18 0x00 R/W
AMBPST[1:0] NO. OF CONSECUTIVE MEASUREMENTS REQUIRED TO TRIGGER AN INTERRUPT
00 1
01 4
10 8
11 16
19Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Gain Trim Registers (0x1D–0x21)
TRIM_GAIN_CLEAR is used to trim the gain of the clear channel. TRIM_GAIN_RED is used to trim the gain of the red
channel, TRIM_GAIN_GREEN is used to trim the gain of the green channel, TRIM_GAIN_BLUE is used to trim the gain
of the blue channel, and TRIM_GAIN_IR is used to trim the gain of the IR channel.
These registers are loaded with the factory-trimmed gains on power-up. When the TRIM bit in register 0x02 is set to
1, these registers can be overwritten with user-chosen gains. When the TRIM bit is set back to 0, these registers are
automatically reloaded with factory-trimmed values.
REGISTER BIT7 BIT6 BIT5 BIT4 BIT3 BIT2 BIT1 BIT0 REGISTER
ADDRESS
POWER-
ON
RESET
STATE
R/W
Digital
Gain Trim
of CLEAR
Channel
TRIM_GAIN_CLEAR[6:0] 0x1D 0xXX R/W
Digital Gain
Trim of RED
Channel
TRIM_GAIN_RED[6:0] 0x1E 0xXX R/W
Digital
Gain Trim
of GREEN
Channel
TRIM_GAIN_GREEN[6:0] 0x1F 0xXX R/W
Digital Gain
Trim of BLUE
Channel
TRIM_GAIN_BLUE[6:0] 0x20 0xXX R/W
Digital Gain
Trim of
INFRARED
Channel
TRIM_GAIN_IR[6:0] 0x21 0xXX R/W
20Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Figure 2. Photodiode Location
Applications Information
Ambient Sensing Applications
Typical applications involve placing the devices behind
a glass with a small semitransparent window above it.
Use the photodiode sensitive area as shown in Figure 2
to properly position the window above the part.
It is possible to map the RGB color values to an XY coor-
dinate system for ambient color temperature measure-
ment. This information can be used to enhance quality
of image display by allowing the instrument to compen-
sate for the human eye’s chromatic adaptation—a form
of improved autowhite balance. It can also be used to
improve the color gamut of RGB LED backlit displays by
allowing precise white point adjustment of LED sources.
The part comes equipped with internal gain trim regis-
ters for the CLEAR, RGB, and IR AMB photodiodes. By
suitably choosing the gains for these channels accurate
ambient-light readings can be generated in all lighting
conditions irrespective of type of glass the part is used
under. This is especially useful for color glass applica-
tions where, for cosmetic reasons, the part is placed
behind a color film to hide its presence and to blend
with the product cosmetic look. This film has the peculiar
property of attenuating most ambient light but passing
through infrared radiation.
Interrupt Operation
Ambient interrupt is enabled by setting bit 0 of register
0x01 to 1. See Table 5. The interrupt pin, INT, is an
open-drain output and pulls low when an interrupt con-
MAX44006/MAX44008
B C R G
R G B B+R
GBCR
C B+R G B
G R B C
R C B+R G
B G R C
B+R R C B
C B G R
IR SENSOR
6
5
4
3
2
1
285µm
750µm
350µm
VDD
GND
A0
SDA
SCL
INT
2000µm
300µm
650µm
490µm
185µm
160µm
130µm
2000µm
750µm
610µm 240µm
21Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Table 14. Slave Address
dition occurs (e.g., when ambient lux readings exceed
threshold limits for a period greater than that set by
the Persist Timer register). The interrupt status bit is
cleared automatically if register 0x00 is read or if the
interrupts are disabled.
A PWRON interrupt bit is set to alert the master of a
chip-reset operation in case of a power-supply glitch,
as can happen in instruments during vibration or power
fluctuations.
It is recommended to utilize the INT pin on the devices to
alert the master to read measurements from the devices.
This eliminates the need for the microcontroller (I2C mas-
ter) to continually poll the devices for information. Due to
the use of pullup resistors on the I2C bus, minimizing I2C
bus activity can reduce power consumption substantial-
ly. In addition, this frees up the microcontroller resources
to service other background processes to improve the
devices’ performance. The wide variety of smarts avail-
able on the chip, such as the ability to set the threshold
levels and to count persist timer limits, allow the part to
operate in an autonomous mode most of the time.
Typical Operating Sequence
The typical operating sequence for the master to com-
municate to the devices is shown below:
1) Setup:
a) Read the Interrupt Status register (0x00) to confirm
only the PWRON bit is set (usually at power-up
only). This also clears the hardware interrupt.
b) Set Threshold and Persist Timer registers for ambi-
ent measurements.
c) Write 0x00 to Ambient Configuration register (reg-
ister 0x02) to set the AMB sensor in the most
sensitive gain setting, and the AMB ADCs in 14-bit
modes of operation.
d) Write 0x21 to the Main Configuration register (reg-
ister 0x01) to set the part in CLEAR + TEMP + RGB
+ IR mode and to enable AMB interrupt.
e) (Optional: Set new CLEAR, RGB, and infrared
channel gains if necessary and set TRIM bit in
register 0x02 to 1).
2) Wait for interrupt.
3) On interrupt:
a) Read the Interrupt Status register (0x00) to confirm
the IC to be the source of interrupt. This should
clear the hardware interrupt on the part, if set.
b) If an AMB interrupt has occurred, read AMB reg-
isters (register 0x04–0x0D) and take appropriate
action (e.g., sets new backlight strength/change
display gamma). Set new AMB thresholds, if nec-
essary.
c) Return to Step 2.
I2C Serial Interface
The devices feature an I2C /SMBusK-compatible, 2-wire
serial interface consisting of a serial data line (SDA)
and a serial clock line (SCL). SDA and SCL facilitate
communication between the devices and the master
at clock rates up to 400kHz. Figure 3 shows the 2-wire
interface timing diagram. The master generates SCL
and initiates data transfer on the bus. A master device
writes data to the devices by transmitting the proper
slave address followed by the register address and then
the data word. Each transmit sequence is framed by
a START (S) or Repeated START (Sr) condition and a
STOP (P) condition. Each word transmitted to the devices
is 8 bits long and is followed by an acknowledge clock
pulse. A master reading data from the IC transmits the
proper slave address followed by a series of nine SCL
A0 SLAVE ADDRESS FOR WRITING SLAVE ADDRESS FOR READING
MAX44006
GND 1000 1010 1000 1011
VDD 1000 1000 1000 1001
MAX44008
GND 1000 0010 1000 0011
VDD 1000 0000 1000 0001
22Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Figure 3. 2-Wire Interface Timing Diagram
Figure 4. START, STOP, and Repeated START Conditions Figure 5. Acknowledge
pulses. The devices transmit data on SDA in sync with
the master-generated SCL pulses. The master acknowl-
edges receipt of each byte of data. Each read sequence
is framed by a START or Repeated START condition, a
not acknowledge (NACK), and a STOP condition. SDA
operates as both an input and an open-drain output. A
pullup resistor, typically greater than 500I, is required
on the SDA bus. SCL operates as only an input. A pullup
resistor, typically greater than 500I, is required on SCL
if there are multiple masters on the bus, or if the master
in a single-master system has an open-drain SCL output.
Series resistors in line with SDA and SCL are optional.
Series resistors protect the digital inputs of the devices
from high-voltage spikes on the bus lines and minimize
crosstalk and undershoot of the bus signal.
Bit Transfer
One data bit is transferred during each SCL cycle. The
data on SDA must remain stable during the high period
of the SCL pulse. Changes in SDA while SCL is high are
control signals. See the START and STOP Conditions
section. SDA and SCL idle high when the I2C bus is not
busy.
START and STOP Conditions
SDA and SCL idle high when the bus is not in use. A mas-
ter initiates communication by issuing a START condition.
A START condition is a high-to-low transition on SDA with
SCL high. A STOP condition is a low-to-high transition on
SDA while SCL is high (Figure 4). A START condition from
the master signals the beginning of a transmission to the
IC. The master terminates transmission, and frees the
bus by issuing a STOP condition. The bus remains active
if a Repeated START condition is generated instead of a
STOP condition.
Early STOP Conditions
The devices recognize a STOP condition at any point
during data transmission except if the STOP condition
occurs in the same high pulse as a START condition. For
proper operation, do not send a STOP condition during
the same SCL high pulse as the START condition.
SCL
SDA
START
CONDITION
STOP
CONDITION
REPEATED
START CONDITION
START
CONDITION
tHD, STA
tSU, STA tHD, STA tSP
tBUF
tSU, STO
tLOW
tSU, DAT
tHD, DAT
tHIGH
tRtF
SCL
SDA
SS
rP
1
SCL
START
CONDITION
SDA
289
CLOCK PULSE FOR
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
ACKNOWLEDGE
NOT ACKNOWLEDGE
23Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Figure 6. Writing 1 Byte of Data to the MAX44006/MAX44008
Figure 7. Writing n-Bytes of Data to the MAX44006/MAX44008
Acknowledge
The acknowledge bit (ACK) is a clocked 9th bit that the
devices use to handshake receipt of each byte of data
when in write mode (Figure 5). The devices pull down
SDA during the entire master-generated ninth clock pulse
if the previous byte is successfully received. Monitoring
ACK allows for detection of unsuccessful data transfers.
An unsuccessful data transfer occurs if a receiving
device is busy or if a system fault has occurred. In the
event of an unsuccessful data transfer, the bus master
can retry communication. The master pulls down SDA
during the ninth clock cycle to acknowledge receipt of
data when the devices are in read mode. An acknowl-
edge is sent by the master after each read byte to allow
data transfer to continue. A not acknowledge (NACK) is
sent when the master reads the final byte of data from the
device, followed by a STOP condition.
Write Data Format
A write to the devices includes transmission of a START
condition, the slave address with the R/W bit set to 0, 1
byte of data to configure the internal register address
pointer, 1 or more bytes of data, and a STOP condition.
Figure 6 illustrates the proper frame format for writing 1
byte of data to the devices. Figure 7 illustrates the frame
format for writing n-bytes of data to the devices.
The slave address with the R/W bit set to 0 indicates
that the master intends to write data to the devices. The
devices acknowledge receipt of the address byte during
the master-generated ninth SCL pulse.
The second byte transmitted from the master configures
the devices’ internal register address pointer. The pointer
tells the devices where to write the next byte of data. An
acknowledge pulse is sent by the devices upon receipt
of the address pointer data.
The third byte sent to the devices contains the data that is
written to the chosen register. An acknowledge pulse from
the devices signals receipt of the data byte. The address
pointer autoincrements to the next register address after
each received data byte. This autoincrement feature
allows a master to write to sequential registers within one
continuous frame. Figure 8 illustrates how to write to mul-
tiple registers with one frame. The master signals the end
of transmission by issuing a STOP condition.
A
0SLAVE ADDRESS REGISTER ADDRESS DATA BYTE
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM MAX44006/MAX44008
R/W 1 BYTE
AUTOINCREMENT INTERNAL
REGISTER ADDRESS POINTER
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM MAX44006/MAX44008
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM MAX44006/MAX44008
B1 B0B3 B2B5 B4B7 B6
S AA P
1 BYTE
AUTOINCREMENT INTERNAL
REGISTER ADDRESS POINTER
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM
MAX44006/MAX44008
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM
MAX44006/MAX44008
B1 B0B3 B2B5 B4B7 B6
AA0
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM
MAX44006/MAX44008
R/W
SA
1 BYTE
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM
MAX44006/MAX44008
B1 B0B3 B2B5 B4B7 B6
P
A
SLAVE ADDRESS REGISTER ADDRESS DATA BYTE 1 DATA BYTE n
24Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Figure 8. Reading 1 Indexed Byte of Data from the MAX44006/MAX44008
Figure 9. Reading n-Bytes of Indexed Data from the MAX44006/MAX44008
Figure 10. Reading Two Registers Consecutively Without a STOP Condition in Between Reads
Read Data Format
Send the slave address with the R/W bit set to 1 to initi-
ate a read operation. The devices acknowledge receipt
of the slave address by pulling SDA low during the ninth
SCL clock pulse. A START command followed by a read
command resets the address pointer to register 0x00.
The first byte transmitted from the devices comprises
the contents of register 0x00. Transmitted data is valid
on the rising edge of the master-generated serial clock
(SCL). The address pointer autoincrements after each
read data byte. This autoincrement feature allows all
registers to be read sequentially within one continuous
frame. A STOP condition can be issued after any num-
ber of read data bytes. If a STOP condition is issued,
followed by another read operation, the first data byte
to be read is from register 0x00 and subsequent reads
autoincrement the address pointer until the next STOP
condition. The address pointer can be preset to a spe-
cific register before a read command is issued. The
master presets the address pointer by first sending the
devices’ slave address with the R/W bit set to 0, followed
by the register address. A Repeated START condition
is then sent, followed by the slave address with the R/W
bit set to 1. The devices transmit the contents of the
specified register. The address pointer autoincrements
after transmitting the first byte. Attempting to read from
register addresses higher than 0xFF results in repeated
reads of 0xFF. Note that 0xF6 to 0xFF are reserved regis-
ters. The master acknowledges receipt of each read byte
during the acknowledge clock pulse. The master must
acknowledge all correctly received bytes except the last
byte. The final byte must be followed by a NACK from the
master and then a STOP condition. Figure 8 illustrates
the frame format for reading 1 byte from the devices.
Figure 9 illustrates the frame format for reading multiple
bytes from the devices. Figure 10 illustrates the frame
format for reading two registers consecutively without a
STOP condition in between reads.
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM
MAX44006/MAX44008
1 BYTE
AUTOINCREMENT INTERNAL
REGISTER ADDRESS POINTER
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM
MAX44006/MAX44008
NOT ACKNOWLEDGE FROM MASTER
AA P
A
0
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM
MAX44006/MAX44008
R/W
SA
R/WREPEATED START
Sr 1SLAVE ADDRESS REGISTER ADDRESS SLAVE ADDRESS DATA BYTE
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM
MAX44006/MAX44008
1 BYTE
AUTOINCREMENT INTERNAL
REGISTER ADDRESS POINTER
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM
MAX44006/MAX44008
AA AP
0
ACKNOWLEDGE FROM
MAX44006/MAX44008
R/W
SA
R/W
REPEATED START
Sr 1SLAVE ADDRESS REGISTER ADDRESS SLAVE ADDRESS DATA BYTE
AA
P
0SA
AA
Sr 1SLAVE ADDRESS
REGISTER 1 DATA REGISTER 2 DATA
REGISTER ADDRESS 1 SLAVE ADDRESS
25Maxim Integrated
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Typical Operating Circuit
Ordering Information
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
T = Tape and reel.
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns (foot-
prints), go to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note that a
“+”, “#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status only.
Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but the
drawing pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX44006EDT+ -40NC to +85NC6 OTDFN
MAX44006EDT+T -40NC to +85NC6 OTDFN
MAX44008EDT+ -40NC to +85NC6 OTDFN
MAX44008EDT+T -40NC to +85NC6 OTDFN PACKAGE
TYPE
PACKAGE
CODE
OUTLINE
NO.
LAND
PATTERN NO.
6 OTDFN D622CN+1 21-0606 90-0376
1.7V TO 2V (MAX44006)
2.7V TO 5.5V (MAX44008) 1.4V TO 5.5V
1µF
10kI10kI10kI
SDA
MICROCONTROLLER
(I2C MASTER)
SCL
SDA
I2C SLAVE_n
VDD
GND
A0 INT
SCL
SDA
SCL
INT
MAX44006
MAX44008 SCL
SDA
I2C SLAVE_1
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are implied.
Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and max limits) shown in the Electrical
Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.
Maxim Integrated 160 Rio Robles, San Jose, CA 95134 USA 1-408-601-1000 26
© 2012 Maxim Integrated The Maxim logo and Maxim Integrated are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
MAX44006/MAX44008
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors
Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES
CHANGED
0 7/12 Initial release —
1 8/12 Updated the General Description, Features, Pin Description, AMBIENT Data Register
(0x04–0x0F) sections, and Tables 3 and 14
1, 7, 11,
16, 21
