Texas Instruments FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM

Overview

FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to demonstrate proximity and capacitive touch sensing using the FDC2214 4-channel capacitance-to-digital converter, MSP430FR5969 microcontroller, and TPS61029 boost converter. It implements a standalone battery-powered system with one proximity sensor (bezel-style, 59 cm² active area) and two circular capacitive touch buttons (20.32 mm diameter), delivering real-time detection with LED feedback and supporting grounded (up to 50 cm) or floating (up to 10 cm) operation.

For engineers reviewing the FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM datasheet, FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM pinout, FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM application, or FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM equivalent, this page provides verified hardware architecture, sensor configuration values (e.g., RCOUNT_CH0 = 0x9C40, DRIVE_CURRENT_CH0 = 0.069 mA), firmware-controlled multiplexing sequence, and layout-critical grounding practices for reliable femtofarad-level capacitance change detection in embedded human-interface applications.

Technical Context

The FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM integrates three key ICs: the FDC2214 performs resonant frequency measurement on three channels (IN0A/IN0B for proximity, IN1A/IN1B and IN2A/IN2B for touch buttons), configured with RCOUNT values of 40000 (16 ms conversion) for proximity and 1000 (400 µs) for buttons; the MSP430FR5969 executes derivative-integration algorithms for baseline calibration and event detection without host dependency.

Power is managed by the TPS61029 boost converter generating 3.3 V from a single AA battery; sensor excitation uses internal current drivers (0.069–0.081 mA) to maintain 1.2–1.8 VPP oscillation amplitude; JTAG (unpopulated header) and backchannel UART (A1_TX/A1_RX on pins 12/14) support firmware reprogramming and real-time debug logging.

Key Specifications

Availability

FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for capacitive sensing R&D, human-interface prototyping, and low-power battery-operated proximity system validation requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and digital signal processing technologies, with over 90 years of innovation in power management and sensing solutions.

The FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM belongs to TI's Capacitive Sensing Evaluation Platform product line, engineered to accelerate development of robust, noise-immune proximity and touch interfaces for consumer, industrial, and automotive human-machine interaction systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM?

The FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM is a complete hardware and firmware evaluation platform that demonstrates proximity detection (up to 50 cm grounded) and dual capacitive touch button operation using the FDC2214 CTD, MSP430FR5969 MCU, and TPS61029 boost converter. It operates autonomously from a single AA battery and provides visual LED feedback for detected events - it is not a production component but a design validation tool for capacitive sensing systems.

Does the FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM include the FDC2214 IC, and how is it configured?

Yes, the FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM integrates the FDC2214RGHR IC in a 17-pin QFN package. It is preconfigured via firmware registers: RCOUNT_CH0 = 0x9C40 (16 ms conversion for proximity), RCOUNT_CH1/CH2 = 0x03E8 (400 µs for buttons), DRIVE_CURRENT_CH0 = 0.069 mA, and MUX_CONFIG = 0xA20D to auto-scan CH0→CH1→CH2. Configuration matches Table 2 in TI User's Guide SNOU139.

Can the FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM operate without a host computer?

Yes, the FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM is a fully standalone system. All signal processing, calibration, and LED indication logic runs on the onboard MSP430FR5969 microcontroller. No host connection is required for basic operation - power is supplied by a single AA battery, and user interaction is indicated directly via green (proximity) and red (button) LEDs.

What are the grounding requirements for optimal performance of the FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM?

Optimal performance requires clear distinction between grounded and floating configurations: grounded systems (earth-referenced) achieve up to 50 cm proximity range; floating systems (battery-only, no earth reference) are limited to ~10 cm. The board layout minimizes ground plane under sensors - adding a GND shield beneath the proximity bezel reduces sensitivity by ~50%, as documented in Section 2.2 of SNOU139.

Is JTAG connectivity available on the FDC2214PROXSEN-EVM, and how is it implemented?

Yes, JTAG connectivity is provided via an unpopulated 14-pin header (J1) matching TI's standard Spy-Bi-Wire/JTAG pinout. Pins 1–7 and 9–14 implement TDO, TDI, TMS, TCK, GND, SBWTCK, SBWTDIO, A1_TX, and A1_RX. Users must solder the header to enable programming via MSP-FET or debugging via backchannel UART - functionality is disabled by default in firmware until UART code is uncommented and recompiled.