Super cheap LCSC capacitive proximity sensor. Any suggestion? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: implor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 06:56:12 pm
content: I'm trying to find a cheap capacitive proximity sensor on LCSC but almost all cheap options have datasheets in Chinese.So i'm looking for recommendation on what ppl have tried an work.My setup is a pcb -> 6mm air gap -> 2.5mm panel. Sensor needs to be able to recognize presence on the other side of the panel.One option is Microchip MTCH101 but it's something like 5x to expensive what I want to pay. The button will be used very rarely so don't want to wast money if I don't have to.Any suggestions?

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 07:17:39 pm
content: I tried to use a TTP223 but I found it's auto adjustment didn't suit my needs. It would switch on reliably but the equipment then created too much noise and it would either turn off on it's own or fail to see an intentional switch-off.Not sure if that's any help, but I'd say it's quite good in an environment where the noise near it wasn't a function related to it's own use.

author: implor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 08:04:32 pm
content: 223 is the only sensor I own. Not tested it even as it doesn’t explicit say it can be used for longer distances. Maybe need to find 4-5 candidates and do a test board.At what distance did it detect your presence?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 09:50:32 pm
content: If you want the cheapest either learn to translate the datasheet, or DIY it with your MCU, if you are using one.This one is english though:https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/Touch-Sensors_AD-Semicon-TS01S_C95766.htmlI would guess a lot of the SOT-23-6 parts are using the same pinout right? Design around that and it shouldn't be an issue.

author: Simmed
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 10:47:17 pm
content: the chinese pdf can mostly be translated by uploading into "google translate"

author: implor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2025, 09:11:04 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on February 20, 2025, 09:50:32 pmUnfortunately it looks like they are not standardized the pin out. Sure some are the same but it's not a given.I'm doing a test board to see what works. If it was only touch and not proximity I would not bother but now I'm feeling it's the best option as my experience with this types of sensors are zero.

author: implor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2025, 09:11:39 am
content: Quote from: Simmed on February 20, 2025, 10:47:17 pmThanks! That was very useful.

author: Chalcogenide
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2025, 09:41:22 am
content: I have used the Sam&wing AM01B in a couple of personal projects and found it to be much more reliable than the TTP223 which is somewhat wonky sometimes, but it has auto calibration that is triggered by a persistent change in detected capacitance, so it is only suitable for brief touch detection. You could try the TouchKey peripheral of some CH32 microcontrollers, although documentation is very lacking and - at least in the CH32X035 - it is not great.