Plessey Semiconductors PS25451 EPIC sensor

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Plessey Semiconductors has released the PS25451, a low-cost version of its EPIC sensor that provides remote sensing for high-volume consumer markets.

A novel electrode design has been devised to replace the titanium dioxide electrodes currently used for high-end medical applications.

The device is an ultrahigh impedance, non-contact, solid state electric potential sensor that can be used for a variety of consumer electronic devices such as proximity switching of lighting, gesture-based remote control of interactive toys, computer games, TVs, monitors, other appliances and presence detection for security/alarm systems.

The sensor works by measuring tiny changes in an electric field in a similar way to a magnetometer detecting changes in a magnetic field even at a distance and through clothing. This enables it to be used for security motion sensors and non-contact electrical switches as well as medical applications detecting heartbeats, nerve and muscle activity either by dry contact (ie, no gels required) or contactless.

By adjusting the gain and bandwidth amplification circuitry, the sensors can be tuned for detection at a distance as required.