Based on the Cypress CY8C20247S-24LKXI and priced at $9.99, the AEK-CY8C20xx QuietZone Starter Kit from Artaflex lets designers develop proofs of concept by directly connecting to the target design boards.

The CY8C20xx7/S CapSense and CapSense Plus controllers from Cypress Semiconductor feature the company’s QuietZone technology to combat noise. They’re designed for applications ranging from Bluetooth headsets, smart phones, and tablets that require lower operating voltages to white goods, small home appliances, televisions, monitors, and printers that require a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for robust touch performance. They’re appropriate for enabling wake-on approach features in applications like PC peripherals as well.

According to Cypress, QuietZone’s best-in-class SNR ensures touch performance even in extreme noise environments. Its high sensitivity uses the Cypress Capacitive Sigma Delta (CSD) Plus sensing algorithm to determine changes in finger capacitance as low as 0.1 pF. Also, the controllers’ SmartSense auto-tuning 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.

Furthermore, SmartSense adapts to manufacturing variations in printed-circuit boards (PCBs), overlays, and tunes out noise generators such as LCD inverters, ac lines, and switched-mode power supplies, saving 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.

According to Cypress, the CY8C20xx7/S 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” functionality. Also, the family’s driven shield capability enhances water tolerance capabilities in applications that may involve mist, water droplets, or streaming water.

Currently in production, the CY8C20xx7/S CapSense controllers come in 16-QFN, 30-WLCSP, 24-QFN, 32-QFN, 48-QFN, and 16-SOIC packages. They can be evaluated using the AEK-CY8C20xx QuietZone Starter Kit from Artaflex (see the figure). Based on the CY8C20247S-24LKXI and priced at $9.99, the kit lets designers develop proofs of concept by directly connecting to the target design boards.

Artaflex

Cypress Semiconductor