Methods and Apparatus for Capacitive Sensing

摘要

The present disclosure addresses methods and apparatus facilitating capacitive sensing using a conductive surface, and facilitating the sensing of proximity to the conductive surface. The sensed proximity will often be that of a user but can be another source of a reference voltage potential. In some examples, the described systems are capable of sensing, capacitance (including parasitic capacitance) in a circuit that includes the outer conductive surface, and where that outer conductive surface is at a floating electrical potential. In some systems, the systems can be switched between two operating modes, a first mode in which the system will sense proximity to the conductive surface, and a second mode in which the system will use a capacitance measurement to sense contact with the conductive surface.

主权项

1. An electronic device comprising:
a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes, wherein each capacitive sensor electrode in the plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes is disposed at a different location across a surface of the electronic device; and sensing circuitry, wherein the sensing circuitry is configured to detect a contact location of a touch at the surface of the electronic device using the plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes, wherein the sensing circuitry is configured to detect, a capacitance indicative of a distance between an external source of electric potential and the surface using the plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes.