Proximity Capacitive Touch Sensor Platform

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Automation Technology Expo (ATX) Minneapolis 2023

Oct 10, 2023 to Oct 11, 2023

Semtech Corp.'s new platform of capacitive sensing ICs are optimized for the next-generation of energy-efficient, touch button television applications. The 8-channel SX8660/61 touch sensor platform features integrated LED drivers and an extended, 10 cm range of proximity sensing. It is designed to replace legacy mechanical button controllers with an analog output interface (AOI) that supports the use of a buzzer for audible feedback making the platform compatible with television designs.

The capacitive analog interface on the SX8660/61 ICs is designed with an analog-to-digital converter (A dc) that provides sensitivity to work with thick overlay materials (up to 5 mm) for robust ESD immunity and to support a 10cm range of proximity detection. With current consumption as low as 70muA at operation, these ICs help designers meet energy-efficiency eco-regulations for televisions.

The SX8660/61 platform also integrates eight, 256-step LED drivers with individual intensity (linear or logarithmic) fading control that is optimized for human vision. This allows design of buttons that automatically fade on when touched and fade off when released with interval speed and initial and final light intensity levels set by the designer. Special single and continuous breathing modes are also available.

The SX8660/61 platform simplifies capacitive touch control design and reduces time-to-market with integrated multi-time programmable firmware that enables users to customize various parameters such as scan time, slave address, channel gain and sensitivity thresholds in their applications, without the need for new firmware development. Additionally, capacitive sense inputs eliminate the need for external resistors and capacitors, reducing design footprint, bill of materials (BOM) and complexity.

The SX8661 has a preconfigured quick-start mode for applications requiring proximity sensing and seven buttons, with one AOI and seven LED drivers with PWM fading. The SX8660 is preconfigured with a quick-start mode for applications with eight buttons, two AOIs, one buzzer output and five LED drivers with PWM fading. The GPIOs can also be individually configured for specific application requirements. Both devices feature a smart automatic offset compensation function that eliminates false triggers due to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and dust. They are offered in a tiny, 4 x 4mm 28-QFN package and operate over a -40 to +85C temperature range.