News

EM introduces new True Low Power Interface IC managing Capacitive Touch Sensors
More on this news or product: EM6420
The EM6420 has an internal 8bit MCU adapting the sensor sensitivity to changing environment;

MARIN, Switzerland – October 22, 2008 – EM Microelectronic, the semiconductor company of the Swatch Group, presents the EM6420, a true low power Touch Sensor Interface IC able to scan sequentially up to 16 capacitive sensors. The new circuit requires no software development for working (plug & play). EM Microelectronic produces not only the IC but also the entire Touch Module and is thus able to offer a complete solution to its customers.

The EM6420 can detect all sensors or the most active sensor in applications where sensors are tightly spaced. To scan more than 16 sensors, several EM6420 can be used in parallel.

The device parameters are configurable either from a host microcontroller through a communication port or through configuration inputs. The chip can communicate through several interfaces: 4-wire SPI, I2C, 4-bit parallel interface. The direct output mode is useful for applications without microcontrollers.

Another advantage is that the chip starts working at 1.2V. The supply range is selectable by pin; 1.2V to 2.0V or 2.2V to 3.6V are the two configurable voltage ranges.

The power consumption in active mode is 100 times less than for comparable circuits currently available. The EM6420 is well suited for battery and mains powered applications where touch functions replace buttons and keys. Other design features include optimised user interface, slider functions, clean and waterproof designs.

Applications:
The EM6420 is ideal for tamper proof applications in mobile and cordless phones, PDA, keyboards, white goods, toys, lighting (sliders for dimming) and many more.

Availability:
The EM6420 IC is available as naked die or in MLF40 package.