I have looked at the TSL235 light to frequency converter and for measuring ambient light it seems expensive (~$1.50). What application would you have for using a light to frequency converter vs a standard light sensor (CDS/LDR/diode) to measure the light?
Electronic – Why/when would you use a light to frequency converter
lightsensor
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I figured I should post what ended up working for me. Someone suggested I just use a typical 100 Watt incandescent light bulb, so I did. It worked great and gave off the right amount of IR for this project. I imagine an IR bulb would have been overkill.
Probably a PMT (Photo Multiplier Tube), if you really need "the highest sensitivity possible".
Here's the response of one commercial module.
Somewhat less effective, would be a blue-enhanced avalanche photodiode.
Best Answer
The data sheet for the TSL235 points out 2 important advantages of the device: 1. The output is in digital form without the use of external components, and 2. the device can be interfaced directly to a microcontroller. It is temperature compensated, has excellent linearity, and the package includes an integral lens for the light input. Combining all these features with others given in the data sheet makes the price very competitive with trying to achieve the same results with individual components.