Interface range features ‘best sensing parts’

According to Steve Gerber, director of human interface products, the company is the only one to offer a combined infrared/capacitive sensing portfolio. "There are 30 companies making capacitive sensing parts," he claimed. "We believe we've got the best." Increasingly says the company, electronics products need to incorporate sophisticated sensing technology to allow interaction through touch and intuitive gestures. This introduces design challenges, including power and performance tradeoffs and a higher level of software complexity. Included in the announcement is the C8051F800 microcontroller, which features a capacitive to digital converter with a 40µs conversion time. "Customers tell us it's the highest sensitivity product they've seen," said Gerber. Devices in the F800 family are targeted at personal electronics, small appliances and similar applications. Meanwhile, the C8051F7xx family of capacitive touch sense mcus will be available early in 2010. These will initially support two finger touch screens, but will be expanded to provide multitouch interfaces. Also announced is the Si11xx family of infrared based proximity and ambient light sensors. These use a patented single pulse proximity measurement technique that reduces overall system power. The devices also offer a touchless proximity slider facility for gesturing. The presence of a 'touch' is detected using two 850nm leds. Adding a third led allows a system to sense 3d movement. Detection speed is critical, said Gerber. "IR leds are the main power consumers, so they need to be off for as long as possible."