austriamicrosystems Introduces a New Sensor Interface Specifically for Automotive Unbiased Capacitive Sensors

The AS1716 sensor interface combines all of the necessary analoge functions in
one chip to provide a fully flexible interface for Piezo Electronic sensors.
Although designed with automotive knock sensors in mind the microchip is also
configurable for industrial sensor applications
UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, Austria--(Business Wire)--
austriamicrosystems (SIX:AMS), a leading global designer and manufacturer of
high performance analog ICs for communications, industrial, medical and
automotive applications expanded its interface product portfolio with the
AS1716, a sensor designed for interfacing to Piezo Electronic capacitive
sensors.

"Piezo Electronic sensors have many advantages over other sensor types. They are
self generating and need no external excitation and they are compact and have
excellent linearity" said Bruce Ulrich, Marketing Director Consumer &
Communications at austriamicrosystems. "In Automotive Engine designs the knock
sensor is an integral part of the engine management system helping to increase
overall reliability and improve fuel efficiency. The AS1716 provides the
automotive customer with a complete flexible differential to a single ended
solution."

The AS1716 operates from a single supply 4.5V to 5.5V. The device provides
differential inputs, a first order low pass filter to cut off the high frequency
noise components, differential to single ended conversion, programmable gain
stage and a two pole low pass multiple feedback filter. The AS1716 is an analog
front end specifically designed for unbiased capacitive sensors, interfacing
with sample and hold input stages and analog digital converters.

The device has been EMC characterized by IEC 61967-4 (1Ohm / 150Ohm Method) by
IEC 62132-4 (Direct Power Injection), is automotive qualified to AECQ100 for IC
and PPAP level 3 and comes in an 8-pin SOIC Package. For further information
about the AS1716 unbiased capacitive sensor interface or to order free samples
in the austriamicrosystems` webshop ICdirect please visit:

http://www.austriamicrosystems.com/sensor-interface/AS1716

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance
analog ICs, combining more than 27 years of analogue design capabilities and
system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities.
austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to
provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating
worldwide with more than 1,000 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the
areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces and mobile infotainment
in its markets Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive, complemented
by its Full Service Foundry activities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SIX
Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS). For more information, please
visit www.austriamicrosystems.com

austriamicrosystems
Ulrike Anderwald, Media Relations
phone: +43 (0) 3136 500 5856
press@austriamicrosystems.com
www.austriamicrosystems.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009