OSRAM introduces highly reliable capacitive sensing to tackle the stringent operating conditions of automotive applications
2025-09-27
Leading global provider of intelligent sensing and transmitter solutions, ams (SIX: AMS), announced today the launch of the AS8580, a high-performance and reliable high-sensitivity capacitive sensor. In the field of automotive electronics, reliability is a key design criterion. Capacitive sensors are widely used in vehicle interior and exterior applications, including touch door handles, gesture controlled trunk openers, and in car human-machine interaction (HMI) components. However, many existing solutions perform poorly in real-world conditions such as rain, ice, humid environments, or car washing. These environmental factors may cause performance fluctuations and increase validation costs.
The AS8580 launched by AMS Osram adopts a robust capacitive sensing scheme based on IQ demodulation technology, which can separate the measured capacitance into parasitic resistance/capacitance components. This measurement principle effectively suppresses environmental interference while maintaining high sensitivity, making AS8580 suitable for automotive interior and exterior applications.
With a sensitivity of 1.9 fF/LSB, AS8580 can accurately achieve touch and proximity detection, suitable for various scenarios ranging from traditional touch buttons to proximity sensors in instrument panels and overhead consoles; Its low-temperature drift characteristics ensure stable performance under temperature changes; The power consumption of low-power sleep mode is as low as 20 µ A, meeting the energy efficiency design requirements. AS8580 has passed ISO 26262, ASIL B (Automotive Safety Integrity Level B), and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 certification, meeting the integration requirements of safety related systems. This is particularly critical for applications where sensor reliability directly affects vehicle functionality and user experience.
For developers, the AMS Osram AS8580 achieves convenient integration through a standard SPI interface and can be flexibly applied to multiple platforms without relying on specific microcontrollers. This feature not only simplifies system design, but also supports scalable architecture. In the automotive environment, sensors must maintain stable operation under various working conditions. For example, the trunk opener fails in humid weather, which not only affects its functional integrity but also damages user trust. For electronic engineers, ensuring the robust performance of sensors is not only about meeting technical specifications, but also about reducing on-site return rates and minimizing system level debugging workload.
Jouni Riihim ä ki, Product Manager of Capacitive Sensing at AMS Osram, said, "When designing automotive exterior applications, we must consider the worst-case scenarios as the norm. The AMS Osram AS8580 can build a stable system that operates reliably even in water, ice, or extreme temperatures without increasing integration complexity. ”
Although the AMS Osram AS8580 was developed specifically for automotive grade requirements, its performance has been extended to other application areas. The applications in the automotive field include steering wheel grip detection, human presence detection, and liquid level/quality monitoring; In the fields of consumer electronics and industry, its high sensitivity and robustness are equally applicable to touch/proximity control interfaces, such as button less stove control in kitchens or smart building access control systems.
The AMS Osram AS8580 provides reliable, flexible, and efficient capacitive sensing solutions for a wide range of application scenarios.
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