Light Sensor for Broadband Solar and Twilight Function Control

A sensor that detects external ambient light energy for automatically controlling vehicle lighting and that detects solar loading within a vehicle passenger compartment for automatically controlling interior climate, wherein the sensor comprises:

• a) an integrated circuit comprising a photodetector adapted for receiving ambient light energy and having a solar output signal and a twilight output signal that respond separately to received light energy,
• i. wherein the solar output signal experiences a first gain and the twilight output signal experiences a second gain,
• ii. wherein the solar output signal controls climate functions and the twilight output signal controls lighting functions, and
• iii. wherein the spectral response of the sensor is dictated primarily by the spectral response of the photodetector;
• b) a transmissive layer adapted to cover the sensor while providing no significant spectral filtering of the ambient light energy;
• and
• c) a neutral density diffuser disposed between the transmissive layer and the integrated circuit wherein the diffuser lacks dyes or pigments for controlling the spectral response of the sensor and wherein the diffuser thereby allows light energy to reach the photodetector at an undiminished level of intensity.