Smart proximity sensor supports short-range human presence detection and SAR regulations

July 24, 2012 // Paul Buckley

Semtech Corporation has introduced an ultra-low power capacitive proximity sensor with on-chip Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) engine for human body detection.

Semtech claims to be the first to provide a robust and cost effective proximity sensor with true discrimination between a human body and inert material. The feature enables mobile and tablet PC manufacturers to comply with SAR regulation for optimized data and voice communication quality of service.

The SX9300 platform is part of Semtech’s touch Interface family. This high sensitivity-sensing device features a dual-channel design with built-in human body discrimination on two distinct sets of sensors. This configuration is optimized for multiple axis proximity detection with tiny sensor areas. SX9300 is intended for handheld connectivity devices requiring SAR regulation compliance such as mobile and tablet PC devices with 3G/4G/WCDMA mobile connectivity and Wi-Fi/mobile hotspots.  

The SX9300 is offered in a space-saving 3 mm x 3 mm thin 20-QFN package. Semtech provides a variety of small form factor sensor reference designs especially adapted to tablet PCs. Semtech guarantees all of these devices to operate over the extended (-40 to +85°C) temperature range.

While these products offer designers the benefit of significant board space savings, their small size and RoHS and WEEE compliance also contributes to energy conservation and hazardous waste reduction.

The device is ideal for supporting applications such as SAR compliant systems; tablet PC/e-book;     portable gaming devices; notebooks;  mobile phones and mobile hotspots

The SX9300 offers low-power operation with a 2.7 V to 5.5 V voltage operating range.  Dual SAR capacitive sensor inputs support body versus inanimate object detection.  The device comes in a small footprint of 3 mm x 3 mm thin 20-QFN package.

Availability and Pricing

The SX9300 is available in production quantities and is priced at $0.56 each in 10,000-piece lots. Contact Semtech for complete pricing details. Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support.

Visit Semtech at www.semtech.com

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