Semtech adds proximity sensing devices to its capacitive touch sensor ICs

Semtech Corp. has added proximity sensing devices to its ultra-low power capacitive touch sensor ICs. The new SX863x capacitive touch button controllers come in 8- and 12-channel versions and feature a long range of proximity detection of 10cm allowing the sensor to control power-management and other convenience features such as system wake-up, LED wake-up and automatic backlight activation upon user detection. These devices support a wide range of button, slider and touch-wheel capacitive sensor panels .

The capacitive analog interface on each of the six ICs in the SX863x platform is designed with an accurate ADC (analog-to-digital converter) that support the 10cm range of proximity detection. Additionally, a smart automatic offset compensation function eliminates false triggers due to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and dirt. With operating current consumption of 80µA, these ICs are an ideal choice for battery-powered applications.

The SX863x platform integrates eight, 256-step LED drivers with individual intensity (linear or logarithmic) fading control optimized for human vision. This allows design of buttons that automatically fade in when touched and fade out when released, with interval speed and initial and final light intensity levels set by the designer.

"Unlike many competitive alternatives, the SX863x family integrates all the functional blocks necessary for touch sensing and proximity sensing in a tiny footprint that requires only one small capacitor. This simplifies the PCB design and reduces the overall solution BOM cost," said Sam Massih, Director, Consumer Analog Products for Semtech. "The integrated, advanced features of the SX863x platform, coupled with ultra-low power consumption and extreme sensitivity, make these ICs ideal for a wide range of capacitive sensing applications."

Applications:
Automotive: Audio/Video Module
Cell Phone/Smart Phone: Touchscreen Controller
Digital Camera: Touchscreen Controller
HDTV: Control Buttons
Laser Printer: Touchscreen Controller
MP3 Player: Touchscreen Controller
Set Top Box: Touch Pads
White Goods: Control Buttons

Package:
12-channel SX8633, SX8634 and SX8635: 5mm x 5mm 32-pad QFN
8-channel SX8636, SX8638 and SX8639: 4mm x 4mm 28-pad QFN

Price:
SX8633: US$1.32 for 1K pieces.
SX8634: US$1.38 for 1K pieces
SX8635: US$1.43 for 1K pieces
SX8636: US$1.24 for 1K pieces
SX8638: US$1.32 for 1K pieces
SX8639: US$1.37 for 1K pieces

Availablity: Now