Multiple channel capacitive voltage divider scanning method and apparatus

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9857394
SERIAL NO

14503702

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Abstract

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Relative capacitance of a plurality of capacitive sensors may be monitored by using only one ADC conversion. A plurality of capacitive sensors individually charges a sample and hold capacitor. After all of the plurality of capacitive sensors have charged the sample and hold capacitor, a digital conversion of the resulting analog on the sample and hold capacitor is made and stored in a memory. This stored digital collective voltage is compared to a previously stored one and if different then a proximity/touch event may have occurred. Therefore, an entire panel of capacitive sensors may be quickly monitored for a change in the “group” capacitance thereof, or portions of the capacitive sensors may be monitored for a change in the “subgroup” capacitance thereof. By knowing which subgroup of capacitive sensors has changed its collective capacitive value, a more focused and selective capacitive sensor measurement can be made that uses less power.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED2355 WEST CHANDLER BLVD CHANDLER AS 85224-6199

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Gao, Xiang Chandler, US 294 2477

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