Infineon Expands MCU Capabilities with Liquid Sensing Technology
April 17, 2025 – Infineon Technologies has unveiled its latest innovation in microcontroller (MCU) technology with the introduction of the PSoC 4000T MultiSENSE low-power MCU. This advanced device integrates capacitive, inductive, and non-contact liquid sensing capabilities into a single chip, marking a significant leap in human-machine interface (HMI) applications.
Key Features of the PSoC 4000T MultiSENSE MCU
The PSoC 4000T MCU leverages Infineon’s fifth-generation CAPSENSE technology, which has been refined over two decades of touch-sensing expertise. Key improvements include:
- Enhanced Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Achieves a 10x improvement, enabling smaller form factors and lower power consumption.
- SmartSense Auto-Tuning: Eliminates manual calibration and supports hover touch detection through 2 cm air gaps.
- MultiSENSE Capabilities: Combines capacitive, inductive, and liquid sensing for versatile applications.
Applications of Liquid Sensing Technology
The non-contact liquid sensing feature is particularly groundbreaking, with applications in:
- Household Appliances: Detects detergent levels in dishwashers and washing machines, preventing overflow and enabling automatic dispensing.
- Kitchen Appliances: Monitors oil levels in fryers, alerting users to empty tanks before spills occur.
- Industrial and Consumer Electronics: Power tools, robotics, wearables, and gaming devices benefit from reliable sensing in wet or gloved conditions.
Future Prospects
Vibheesh Bharathan, Infineon’s Touch HMI marketing lead, highlighted the potential for machine learning to further enhance these capabilities. "MultiSENSE technology can detect temperatures, air gaps, and liquid levels, making appliances smarter and more intuitive," he said. "The data collected can even inform improvements across different product lines."
With its PSoC 4000T and upcoming PSoC 4100T Plus MCUs, Infineon is poised to revolutionize HMI and sensing applications across industries.