Abstract: A sun sensor, for detecting an angle of incidence of sunlight, employs a transmitting plane having an opening with first and second linear portions for transmitting the sunlight. A line parallel to the first linear portion crosses a line parallel to the second portion with an acute angle. A single detector having plural detecting elements generates output signals corresponding to the sunlight at least passing through the first and second linear portions. A processor produces data signals corresponding to the angle of incidence of the sunlight in response to the output signals from the detector.

Abstract: A digital sun sensor having an ND filter, a prism, an opaque layer formed on the prism and having a slit, a band-pass filter, and a linear array sensor. A sunbeam passes through ND filter, and is diffracted as it passes through the slit, and is refracted by prism. The diffracted sunbeam, which has a specified wavelength, passes through the band-pass filter and reaches the linear array sensor. The sensor is driven by a first clock signal, thereby generating electrical signals. An automatic gain control circuit maintains these signals at a constant peak value. The output signal of automatic gain control circuit is compared with a reference level. When this output is at a level lower than the reference level, the first clock signal is supplied to an N-bit counter. When the output is at a level higher than the reference level, a second clock signal having a frequency half that of the first clock signal is supplied to the N-bit counter. N-bit counter counts the pulses of either clock signal.