The ISL29009 is a light-to-current silicon optical sensor combining a photodiode and current amplifiers on a single monolithic IC. Similar to human eyes, the photodiode has peak sensitivity at 550nm and spans from 400nm to 700nm, rejecting UV light and IR light. The input luminance range is from 0.3 lux to 10,000 lux. The integrated non-linear current amplifier boosts and converts the photodiode signal in a square root fashion, extending the light input dynamic range while maintaining excellent sensitivity at dim conditions with low lux levels. The device consumes minimal power over a wide range of ambient lux levels because the current consumption ramps at a square root fashion. A dark current compensation circuit aids the photodiode to minimize temperature dependent leakage currents in the absence of light, improving the light sensitivity at low lux levels. In addition, the ISL29009 has an EN pin that can be used for a polling scheme extending portables’ battery life. The ISL29009 is housed in an ultra compact 2mmx2.1mm ODFN plastic case surface mount package. Operation is rated from -40°C to +85°C.