Design Considerations
AN64846 - Getting Started with CapSense
®
Doc. No. 001-64846 Rev. *X
53
For CapSense applications, it is very important to have a clean power supply for CapSense devices to reduce problems
related to radiated interference and emissions. Guidelines to filter the noise at the power supply of CapSense devices
are given in the following section. It is recommended that you incorporate these guidelines to handle any EMC/EMI
issues.
3.3.2 Conducted Immunity and Emissions
The noise current generated by high-frequency switching circuits entering the system through the power and
communication lines is called conducted noise.
3.3.2.1 Board-Level Solutions
Proper use of decoupling capacitors as recommended by the datasheet can limit the problem with conducted emissions.
For detailed information on general decoupling capacitors, refer to the section
. For unregulated power supplies,
use a large electrolytic capacitor (typically 10 µF
–100 µF), no more than one inch away from the chip. This capacitor
acts as a reservoir of charge to supply the instantaneous charge requirements of the circuits locally so that the charge
need not come through the inductance of the power trace.
For further protection, a passive filter can be used. Passive filter effectively limits not just the conducted noise emitted
but also the noise entering the system. Thus, it improves the conducted noise immunity of the system.
A pi-filter is a simple bidirectional low-pass filter. The two main types of pi-filters are the series inductor and the series
resistor. The series inductor pi-filter has two shunt capacitors and one series inductor configured similar to the Greek
letter
. The noise is filtered by all three elements (L1, C1, and C2) in both directions. The
bidirectional nature of the filter is important. Not only does it prevent the supply noise from affecting sensitive parts, it
can also prevent the switching noise of the part from coupling back to the power planes.
Figure 3-21. Series Inductor Pi-Filter
The values of the components are selected based on the frequency that needs to be attenuated.
3.3.2.2 Power Supply Solutions
The following guidelines help you to prevent conducted noise from entering your CapSense design:
Provide GND and V
DD
planes that reduce current loops.
If the CapSense controller PCB is connected to the power supply by a cable, minimize the cable length and
consider using a shielded cable.
To reduce high-frequency noise, place a ferrite bead around the power supply or communication lines.
-
Localizes the noise in the system.
-
Keeps external high frequency noise away from the IC.
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Keeps internally generated noise from propagating to the rest of the system
For more information on design considerations for EMC, refer to the following documents:
Top 10 EMC Design Considerations
AN2155 - PSoC EMI Design Considerations
AN80994 - Design Considerations for EFT Immunity