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CAPTIVATE-BSWP: Using Demo boards over distance/non-magnetic environment

Part Number: CAPTIVATE-BSWP
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CAPTIVATE-FR2633

Hello, 

I am curious to see if it is feasible to use the captivate demo board CAPTIVATE-BSWP in a non-magnetic environment.  My biggest question is what would be the longest allowable distance to mate between the MCU development board CAPTIVATE-FR2633 and the CAPTIVATE-BSWP to remain operational?

Thanks for the help and best regards,

Jerry

  • Hi Jerry,

    By separating the EVM and the BSWP PCB you will obviously need to make the signal and ground connections with long wires.  When you do this, you will be exposing each of the Captivate channels to parasitic coupling through the wires to whatever surface they are sitting on (such as a table).  You will also be susceptible to changes in capacitance as you move or touch the wires with your hands, as the wires are acting as an electrode. 

    Once you have everything setup don't move anything or you will need to re-calibrate the system (Captivate will perform a calibration on every power cycle).  Not knowing the environment in which this will be used, you may find nearby electronics causing noise on these exposed channels.  You can try lightly wrapping the wires in aluminum foil to create a shield and tie the shield to a ground location on the EVM PCB.

    So to answer your question, the longer the wires, the more noise you may encounter and to some extent less sensitivity.  My guess is you could probably go 20cm.  Best way is to experiment.

  • Hi Jerry,

    I haven’t heard from you for a couple of days now, so I’m assuming you were able to move forward with your project.
    If this isn’t the case, please click the "This did NOT resolve my issue" button and reply to this thread with more information.
    If this thread locks, please click the "Ask a related question" button and in the new thread describe the current status of your issue and any additional details you may have to assist us in helping to solve your issues.

  • Hi Dennis,

    Thanks for the suggestions here.  We are screening the board for magnetic components and will then experiment with the suggestions provided. Thanks for the quick feedback and insights!

    Best regards,

    Jerry

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