Cypress touch controller replaces mechanical buttons

In order to accelerate time-to-market, Cypress has also introduced the new EZ-Click customizer tool. This GUI-based software combines device configuration, visual feedback, and production line testing for streamlined register configuration of the CY8CMBR2110 controllers. Implementation of customized LED effects and buzzer output for audio feedback is made significantly easier with the EZ-Click customizer tool. Leveraging Cypress’s SmartSense auto-tuning algorithm, the Mechanical Button Replacement (MBR) controller family eliminates the requirement for manual system tuning and is the only solution that maintains optimal button performance during run-time.

Comprising the CapSense Express MBR family is the CY8CMBR2016 matrix keypad solution, the CY8CMBR2010 ten-button controllers and the CY8CMBR2044 four-button hardware configurable controllers. Featuring supply current in run mode of 15 uA per button and a 100 nA Deep-Sleep mode, this family of devices provide the industry’s lowest power consumption. Ideal for regulated and unregulated battery applications, the CapSense Express MBR devices operate over a 1.71V to 5.5V range and can be operated from a single coin cell battery. To ensure superior immunity to conducted and radiated noise, the controllers provide robust sensing in noisy environments thanks to Cypress’s patented CapSense Sigma Delta sensing method. These devices feature an integrated voltage regulator to address power supply noise, as well as filters for any spurious noise.

Dirk Franklin, business unit director for Cypress’s CapSense solutions, commented: “The market for front panel user interfaces in industrial, medical and consumer applications is huge and growing. Designing a capacitive touch sensing user interface is not easy, but with our robust CapSense Express MBR family, backed by the support of our revolutionary new EZ-Click customizer tool and SmartSense auto-tuning technology, Cypress has delivered ease of design for sleek, reliable capacitive touch control panels. What we like to say about our new, button-replacement family is that ‘it just works!’”

SmartSense auto-tuning, which dynamically optimizes the capacitive baseline and detection threshold for each button, is incorporated into the device family. The algorithm adjusts for the optimal capacitance sensing range at power-up and during runtime as environmental conditions change, including noise, temperature, and humidity. Saving engineering time and yield loss that can occur with even slight variations in manufacturing tolerances, removing the need to tune is a significant advantage for both large and small manufacturers. These savings are particularly useful for customers with a global factory footprint and multi-sourced supply chain, where they are greatly multiplied. SmartSense auto-tuning can also eliminate the need for additional test steps often required to address manufacturing variations in PCBs and overlays.

Cypress has also announced an evaluation kit to support the CY8CMBR2110 controller, the CY3280-MBR2 CapSense Express with SmartSense Auto-Tuning Evaluation Kit. Providing detailed resources to ensure optimal performance and validate CapSense systems, The MBR family’s accompanying Design Toolbox is a simple, interactive spreadsheet. Offering application specific guidelines for capacitive buttons, the Design Toolbox delivers advanced system debug features. This allows customers to take designs directly to production for significantly shorter time-to-market.

The CY8CMBR2110 CapSense Express MBR controller is currently in production in a 32-pad QFN package.