Azoteq introduces a new proximity cum touch sensor in the market under the name IQS128. The IQS128 combines capacitive proximity and touch sensing abilities into a single device that uses a single antenna.
The new sensor comes with features like omnidirectional proximity sensing, electrical isolation and unlimited operation. Dr. Frederick Bruwer, the CEO of Azoteq, claimed that by adding proximity sensing abilities to touch sensing through the IQS128, the sensitivity is increased by almost 100 times when compared to the existing sensors.
The sensor is not only a cost-effective solution when compared with the electro-mechanical switches but also offers advantages like unlimited operation and electrical isolation. The IQS128 can be made to behave like a triple-action switch, which switches on the device when a finger is detected close to it. The first function is selected by a light touch and further pressing chooses the second function. The sensor targets proximity handheld detection in tablet PC’s and on-ear detection in case of mobile phones. The features of the sensor are low power consumption, Internal Capacitor Implementation, Automatic Antenna Tuning and DYCALTM Intelligent Hysteresis. It works with an electrical supply of 2.95 to 5.5 volts. The functions that it is capable of are external synchronisation control, advanced on-chip digital signal processing, User programmable functions etc. Other specifications include single wire open drain data streaming, I/O Sink or Source Selection, touch detection of 6 mm for plastics and 10 mm for glass surfaces and proximity detection up to 15 cm.
The applications of the IQS128 include handheld detection for tablet PCs, on-ear detection for mobile phones, occupancy sensors, human interface devices and proximity detection enabled backlighting.
Source: http://www.azoteq.com/