PRoC-UI a one-chip solution
Cypress Semiconductor Corp.'s single-chip solution integrates a wireless radio with touch-sensing circuitry for wireless mice, trackpads, remote controls, presenter tools, and other human interface devices (HIDs). The PRoC-UI (Programmable Radio-on-a-Chip–User Interface) solution combines 2.4GHz proprietary WirelessUSB-NL Radio with Cypress's CapSense and TrueTouch capacitive touch technologies. This combination enables user interface functionality in wireless devices, including gestures supported by the Windows 8 applications.
The one-chip solution also offers standard HID microcontroller functionality, effectively combining three chips into one to save BOM costs, board space, and power while increasing reliability compared with multichip implementations.
CapSense offers stylish interfaces and reliability compared to mechanical buttons. PRoC-UI is also available with Cypress's TrueTouch touchscreen technology, enabling multiple new HID use cases with multifinger gesture recognition, including new Windows 8 gestures. The TrueTouch variant also supports customized gestures. Both CapSense and TrueTouch variants include advanced features such as proximity sensing (which allows a device to wake up as a hand approaches) and haptics (to give tactile user feedback).
PRoC-UI boasts an -87dBm receive sensitivity at 1Mbps. This enhanced sensitivity enables longer-range (up to 30m) operation and allows for lower-power transmit signals. The device features low active and standby currents, which enable longer battery life. It also performs in the presence of 2.4GHz interference from common sources such as WiFi, Bluetooth, cordless phones, and microwaves.
PRoC-UI supports Cypress's AgileHID protocol that allows WirelessUSB-NL customers to get started quickly on their designs without any additional effort. Customers who have designs with WirelessUSB-NL can reuse the same dongles for new PRoC-UI-based touch products. PRoC-UI comes with free software to enable end-product customization.
I'm taking a closer look at the CapSense UI products to replace conventional tactile switches. Coincidentally, I'm in that phase of concept development of this project at the moment – Very timely for me, thanks. Also, I forwarded your article to the Electrical System Architect for future reference – always interested in seeing new chip capabilities.
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