Mysentech MC12G

MC12G and MC12T are highly integrated dual-channel capacitive sensing ICs capable of measuring single-ended capacitance referenced to ground. They connect directly to the capacitor plates under test, using VHF resonant excitation to resolve minute capacitance changes. The excitation frequency is configurable in the range of 10~100MHz, with a 16-bit digital frequency measurement output corresponding to a maximum capacitance sensing resolution of 0.5fF. The chips feature an all-digital design; function configuration and data read/write support I²C communication rates up to 1MHz. An integrated low-noise LDO power management module accommodates a wide input voltage range. In addition, an on-chip temperature sensing circuit is provided for temperature compensation and other temperature sensing applications.

Capacitive sensing, in conjunction with detection electrodes, enables dielectric detection of various substances — a non-contact sensing technology offering low power consumption, low cost, and high resolution. Compared to conventional RC oscillator-based touch capacitance structures, MC12G and MC12T employ a VHF LC resonance method, achieving superior electric field penetration depth. Frequency calculation is performed entirely through an internal digital signal processing unit with fully digital output, and multiple operating modes are flexibly configurable. MC12T features a compact SOP8 pinout for low-cost dual-channel capacitance detection. MC12G comes in a small-footprint QFN16 package, providing more comprehensive on-chip control.

Compared to similar products available domestically and internationally, MC12G and MC12T offer a wider capacitive excitation frequency range, superior non-contact measurement performance, a broader operating voltage range, and more flexible reference frequency and operating mode configuration. The chips incorporate temperature sensing signals for temperature compensation; the independent dual-channel measurement circuits can serve as mutual compensation references or be configured with automatic alarm logic. The small-size, low-cost ICs are well suited for smart home appliance applications such as liquid level detection, proximity sensing, and touch control, as well as industrial-specific detection scenarios including automotive fluid monitoring, water immersion sensing, food inspection, and soil moisture measurement.

MC12G and MC12T are high-precision, multi-channel capacitance conditioning ICs suitable for a wide range of capacitive sensing applications. Compared to conventional switched-capacitor architectures, MC12G and MC12T employ an LC resonance method for capacitance measurement. The narrow-band characteristics of the LC oscillator give MC12G and MC12T a lower noise floor while providing inherent immunity to external interference. When the capacitance in the LC resonant circuit changes, the resonant frequency of the circuit changes accordingly. Based on this principle, MC12G and MC12T measure the oscillation frequency and output a value proportional to the frequency, from which the capacitance can be calculated.

• Capacitance measurement range: 0~150pF
• Temperature range: -55°C~+125°C
• Frequency range: 10MHz~100MHz
• Frequency resolution: up to 15bit
• Supply voltage range: 2.0V~5.5V
• Conversion time: 1~100ms (configurable)
• Peak measurement current: 1.3~8.3mA (configurable)
• Sleep mode current: 50nA
• Shutdown mode current: 40nA
• Average power consumption: 7.5μA@1Hz
• QFN16/SOP8 package options

• Smart appliance liquid level
• Industrial water tank liquid level
• Automotive fluid level
• Food moisture content analysis
• Soil moisture content analysis
• Proximity detection
• Touch sensing