AS8579 Capacitive Sensor

Accurate capacitive presence sensing

Features

I/Q-Signal demodulation
Up to 10 independent measurement lines possible (10 SEN lines)
VAR&FIX_SEN function to avoid parasitic influences from cable and PCB
Designed according functional safety standard
AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified

Benefits

Accurate capacitive measurement (seperation of resistive and capacitive information)
Higher durability and lower system costs
Enabler for safety critical applications
Suitable for automotive applications

Product parameters

System Sensitivity [fF/LSB]	80
Output Resolution [Bit (accumulated)]	14
Sensing Channels [Independent SEN lines]	10
Interface	SPI
Diagnostics	YES
Supply Voltage [V]	5
Temperature Range [°C]	-40 to 125
Package	SSOP24
Automotive Qualified [AEC -Q100]	Yes
External Shielding Available [For cable and PCB]	Yes

General Description

The AS8579 is a capacitive sensor that detects the change of capacity in different applications. The capacitive sensor measures the impedance that originates between a conducting surface (metallic object) and a human being. The IC captures the current of a metal object and applies algorithms to determine the capacitive and resistive information. The outcome information can be read through a SPI Interface that can be also used for IC configuration. This high precision performance sensor also supports a multitude of diagnostic features that meet standard functional safety requirements. The capacitive sensing IC is specifically designed to function in an electro-magnetic environment (EMC) with high magnetic disturbances. This allows the sensor to distinguish in a hands-on application if the driver‘s hand is on the steering wheel or not. The AS8579 is available in an SSOP24 package and operates at a supply voltage of 5V.

This product suits for the following applications:

Autonomous driving applications e.g.: Hands on steering wheel detection
Detection of any human presence exterior of vehicles e.g.: Automatic trunk opener (trunk opens automatically and touch-less by detection of human foot near the sensor only)
Fluid Level Measurement

Tools

Title	Category	Headline	Buy
USBI&PBox	Accessories	USB I&P Box for I2C/SPI
AS8579 Eval Kit	Application Board	Evaluation Kit for AS8579

Resources

	Type	Description	Language
	Evaluation Software	AS5xxx_EvalSW_USB-I&P-Box_v1-6-4.exe Software for I&P Box - Evaluation Programmer	EN

Technical Documents

	Type	Description	Language
	Datasheet	Datasheet for AS8579	English
	Product Brief	AS8579 features, benefits, applications	English

Environmental Documents

	Type	Description	Language
	RoHS Certificate	AS8579 RoHS Certificate	English

Other Information

Type	Description	Language
Block Diagram	AS8579 Block Diagram	English
Factsheet	Application Sheet	English
Factsheet	Product Factsheet	English