Cypress Introduces TouchWake(TM) Capability for WirelessUSB(TM) Radio-on-a-Chip Devices; New...

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE:CY) today announced a new feature for its WirelessUSB(TM) radio-on-a-chip devices that instantly wakes a peripheral from sleep mode when a user touches the device. The TouchWake(TM) feature extends battery life by allowing a WirelessUSB peripheral

Currently, peripherals use a motion sensor, a button or a switch to wake from sleep mode. Many motion sensors require additional hardware. Buttons and switches add cost and manufacturing complexity to the peripheral, are prone to environmental wear-and-tear, and can lead to frustration for users. Both types of wake-up techniques consume what may be a significant amount of power for a very low-power peripheral. Cypress's TouchWake feature spares peripheral manufacturers from these cost and reliability pitfalls.

"TouchWake allows a peripheral to intelligently and transparently enter and exit sleep mode in order to save the maximum amount of power without requiring wait-time for the user once they are ready to resume operation," said Aravind Nagarajan, product manager for the Wireless Business Unit in Cypress's Consumer and Computation Division. "Cypress continues to introduce unique value-add features through its broad portfolio and expertise in PC peripherals, enhancing the experience for consumers."

TouchWake in WirelessUSB is enabled when combined with Cypress's Programmable System-on-Chip(TM) (PSoC(TM)) mixed-signal array technology. For example, Cypress's Programmable Radio-on-a-Chip(TM) (PRoC(TM)), which includes PSoC and WirelessUSB technology in an integrated device, now includes the TouchWake feature. The TouchWake feature leverages Cypress's proven CapSense technology, a capacitive touch sensor interface that does not require any additional hardware components.

About TouchWake

The TouchWake feature allows users to instantly wake a peripheral from sleep mode by simply touching the device enclosure with their finger or palm, or by picking up the device, thereby minimizing any startup latency. The feature also enables a peripheral device to immediately go into a deep sleep mode when not in use, thus extending battery life. TouchWake can also be used to intelligently activate various illumination options. For example, a remote control for televisions or presentation equipment could activate its backlight when it is touched or picked up by a user. A mouse could illuminate to aid the user in darkened lighting or simply for aesthetic purposes. For further information on this feature, interested parties can send an email to touchwake@cypress.com.