Semtech: MEMS Force Sensor - Semtech -Macnica

*Qorvo's MEMS Force Sensor product line has become a Semtech product.

Product Summary

This product can be used for buttons, touch displays, switches, etc. Its greatest feature is that it does not produce false detection unless physical pressure is applied.

The advantage of this product is that it is compatible with a variety of input methods, environments, materials and thicknesses.

For example, sensing is possible even when a factory worker is wearing gloves, or when the target object is wet or dirty with dust.

We support a wide range of materials and thicknesses, including plastic, metal, glass, and wood. We also offer products that comply with automotive standards, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

The product is available as a single sensor, a single analog front-end, or a package that includes both the sensor and analog front-end.

Main features

High sensitivity
linearity
Low power consumption
small size

Comparison of MEMS Force Sensor and other methods

Table 1 summarizes the comparison with infrared (IR) and mechanical switches.

Table 1 shows that this method can be used for a variety of purposes and environments. It also has advantages over other methods in terms of tuning sensitivity, RF and EMI immunity, etc.

Criteria	Semtech Force	IR	Mechanical Switch
Life Cycle	Millions	Millions	100k's
Works When Wet	Yes	Yes	Yes
Oil、Grime、Dust Proof	Yes	Yes	No
Touch with Gloves	Yes	Yes	Yes
Prosthetic Finger	Yes	Yes	Yes
Any Contact Material	Yes	No	Yes
Multi Level	Yes	No	No
Intent	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tune Sensitivity	Yes	No	No
Gapless ID Integration	Yes	Yes	No
False positive	No	No	No
RF & EMI Immunity	Yes	Yes	Yes

Table 1: Comparison of MEMS Force Sensor and other methods

We also compared Semtech's MEMS method with other methods in terms of accuracy (Figure 1) and uniformity (Figure 2).

The strain gauge and piezo method are given as comparisons. Figures 1 and 2 show that Semtech's MEMS method is superior.

Supports a variety of mounting methods

Semtech's MEMS Force Sensor supports various mounting methods. The mounting methods are shown in the diagram below.

Implementation method 1: Rubber, sensor, and board configuration directly below the touch surface

Mounting method 2: Rubber, board, and sensor configuration directly below the touch surface

Mounting method 3: Board and sensor configuration directly below the touch surface

Use applications

·button

・Touch display

・Switches, etc.

Semtech product links

Click here for the Force Sensing Solution page

Product Number	feature
AF-3068	Analog Front Ends for Force Sensors \| Ultra-Low Power ASIC
AF-3568	Analog Front Ends for Force Sensors \| Ultra-Low Power ASIC
DF-8100	Digital Force Sensors \| Integrated MEMS Force Sensor
DF-8800	Digital Force Sensors \| Integrated MEMS Force Sensor
DF-8805	Digital Force Sensors \| Integrated MEMS Force Sensor
FT-4100	Analog Force Sensors \| MEMS Force Sensor
FT-4300	Analog Force Sensors \| MEMS Force Sensor
FT-4500	Analog Force Sensors \| MEMS Force Sensor
FT-7600	Analog Force Sensors \| MEMS Force Sensor

Evaluation Board

We provide an evaluation board for evaluating Semtech's MEMS Force Sensor.

By placing the evaluation sensor board against the object you want to sense, you can check how it senses using dedicated software.
This software allows you to adjust the sensitivity and other settings to suit your actual application.