The TSL230BR programmable light-to-frequency converter combines a configurable silicon photodiode and a current-to-frequency converter on single monolithic CMOS integrated circuits. The output can be either a pulse train or a square wave (50% duty cycle) with frequency directly proportional to light intensity. Device sensitivity is selectable in three ranges, providing two decades of adjustment. The full-scale output frequency can be scaled by one of four preset values.

All inputs and the output are TTL compatible, allowing direct two-way communication with a microcontroller for programming and output interface. An output enable (OE) is provided that places the output in the high-impedance state for multiple-unit sharing of a microcontroller input line.