Cypress CapSense devices features ultra-low-power proximity detection

USA: Cypress Semiconductor Corp. has introduced the CY8C20xx7/S CapSense and CapSense Plus controllers with Cypress’s new QuietZone technology to combat noise.

The new devices offer a number of industry-leading features, including ultra-low power consumption, high Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) and high immunity to noise. They also offer the industry’s best solution for proximity and water tolerance. More information on the new products is available at www.cypress.com/go/capsense.

The new CapSense controllers feature QuietZone technology, which provides unequaled immunity to radiated and conducted noise. The result of Cypress’s vast experience in replacing over four billion buttons, QuiteZone technology delivers best-in-class SNR, ensuring robust touch performance even in extreme noise environments. Its high sensitivity can determine changes in finger capacitance as low as 0.1 pF. A key component of this technology is Cypress’s patented Capacitive Sigma Delta (CSD) Plus sensing algorithm.

The CY8C20xx7S devices feature SmartSense Auto-tuning that automatically sets and monitors the performance of each sensor and dynamically compensates for noise and environmental variations during runtime to deliver optimal sensor performance and uniform button response.

This technology also adapts to manufacturing variations in PCBs, overlays, and tunes out noise generators such as LCD inverters, AC lines and switched-mode power supplies, saving engineers precious development time in implementing capacitive touch designs. It tunes all design parameters for both proximity detection and water tolerance features, with separate fine tuning for proximity distance. SmartSense simplifies the design process and satisfies the rigorous demands of the industrial and white goods markets.

The CY8C20xx7/S also offers the industry’s best proximity detection of up to 30 cm. Its low power enables proximity designs in battery-powered applications, such as “wake-on-approach” for mice that provides lower system power consumption by allowing the device to sleep until a user’s hand approaches. The family also has driven shield capability, which enhances water tolerance capabilities in applications that face the challenges of mist, water droplets or streaming water.

The CY8C20xx7/S is ideal for all application segments ranging from Bluetooth headsets, smart phones and tablets that require lower operating voltages to white goods, small home appliances, TV, monitors and printers which require high SNR for robust touch performance. These devices are also ideal for enabling wake-on approach features in applications such as PC peripherals.

“This family is the premier capacitive touch solution from the market leader,” said Dirk Franklin, Cypress CapSense Business Unit director. “We have included technology advancements of all kinds in this family, including power management, autotuning, noise immunity, proximity detection and water tolerance. Customers from a wide variety of markets are eager to design with this solution.”

The CY8C20xx7/S CapSense controller family is currently in production in 16-QFN, 30-WLCSP, 24-QFN, 32-QFN, 48-QFN and 16-SOIC packages. The CY8C20xx7/S Controllers can be easily evaluated using the AEK-CY8C20xx7 QuietZone Starter Kit from Artaflex. Based on the CY8C20247S-24LKXI, the US$9.99 Starter Kit allows you to develop proof of concepts by directly connecting to the target design boards.