Touch-sensing controller for medical applications

The Capsense Express device utilises the Smartsense auto-tuning algorithm, which eliminates the requirement for system tuning.

The accompanying design toolbox provides detailed resources to ensure optimal interface performance, and advanced system debug features allow taking designs directly to production for shorter time-to-market.

The controller delivers robust touch-sensing with ultra-low power consumption to extend battery life in a range of handheld products, and is said to be ideal for consumer, communication, white goods, lighting, industrial and medical applications.

The hardware-configurable CY8CMBR2044 Capsense Express mechanical button replacement controller operates from 1.7V to 5.5V and offers low overall power consumption with supply current in run mode as low as 15uA per button and deep-sleep current of 100nA.

The devices offer reliable operation in harsh sensing conditions and Cypress's patented Capsense Sigma Delta (CSD) sensing method is said to ensure superior immunity to conducted and radiated noise.

With Smartsense auto-tuning, the device dynamically optimises the baseline and detection threshold and adjusts for the optimal capacitance sensing range at power-up and during runtime as environmental conditions change.

Cypress Semiconductor said eliminating the need to tune the UI subsystem is an advantage for large and small manufacturers alike, as it saves engineering time and yield loss that can occur with even slight variations in manufacturing tolerances.

Smartsense auto-tuning can eliminate the need for additional test steps currently required with competing solutions to address the vendor-to-vendor variations in PCBs and overlays.

The Capsense Express device accurately tracks button pushes, even with very closely-spaced sensors.

The device also features a built-in failure analysis feature with serial data out for debug, speeding the design-in process.

It also integrates a voltage regulator to address power supply noise as well as filters for any spurious noise.

The device is available in a small form factor 3 x 3 x 0.6mm 16-pad QFN package.