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 |