Cypress CapSense Express solution provides complete 4x4 matrix system for keypad apps

SAN JOSE, USA: Cypress Semiconductor Corp. announced the new CY8CMBR2016 device that enables designers to implement capacitive matrix button systems of up to 4x4 buttons without having to write firmware or learn new software tools.

A matrix system is a row and column array of buttons typically found in keypad applications in a variety of industrial applications. This is the latest addition to the popular CapSense Express capacitive touch-sensing controller line from Cypress that leverages Cypress’s revolutionary SmartSense Auto-tuning algorithm, which completely eliminates the requirement for system tuning and is the only solution that offers run-time environmental compensation.

The CY8CMBR2016 supports industry standard “keypad scan” and “truth table” host interface protocols, enabling customers to leverage their existing host processor firmware. The device also features multi-touch, perfect for matrix applications that require simultaneous button presses to enter various user interface modes.

The CY8CMBR2016 operates over a 1.71 V to 5.5 V range making it ideal for a wide range of regulated and unregulated battery applications, and a supply current in run mode as low as 15 uA/button. It is targeted for applications such as security panels, card reader keypads, biometric scanner keypads, fire alarm control panels, thermostats, home appliances as well as any system requiring up to 16 individual CapSense buttons.

SmartSense Auto-tuning dynamically optimizes the capacitive baseline and detection threshold for each button. It adjusts for the optimal capacitance sensing range at power-up and during runtime as environmental conditions change, including temperature, humidity, and noise. Eliminating the need to tune is a significant advantage for large and small manufacturers alike, as it saves engineering time and yield loss that can occur with even slight variations in manufacturing tolerances. This savings is greatly multiplied for customers with a global factory footprint and supply chain. SmartSense Auto-tuning can eliminate the need for additional test steps required by competing solutions to address variations in PCBs and overlays.

“This new CapSense Express controller with SmartSense Auto-tuning technology extends the world’s easiest mechanical button replacement portfolio to matrix keypad applications,” said Dirk Franklin, business unit director for Cypress’s CapSense solutions. “The CY8CMBR2016 Matrix Keypad solution enables firmware, hardware, and mechanical engineers to implement capacitive sensing quickly and easily in their application.”

The device offers reliable operation in the harshest sensing conditions and ensures superior immunity to conducted and radiated noise. It also integrates a voltage regulator to address power supply noise as well as filters for any spurious noise.

Cypress’s accompanying design toolbox provides detailed resources to ensure optimal CapSense performance, and advanced system debug features allow customers to take designs directly to production for significantly shorter time-to-market.

The CY8CMBR2016 CapSense Express controller is currently in production in a 48-pad QFN package.