Cypress touts simplified laser navigation system

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. has launched its second-generation laser navigation product family, which it touts as the first in the industry to integrate a laser navigation sensor and programmable flash-based microcontroller on one die. Aimed at wired and wireless mice applications, the OvationONS II laser navigation SoC is believed to feature excellent surface-tracking performance and low-power consumption with the company's patented OptiCheck technology integrated into a programmable CPU, USB interface and a highly configurable power management unit.

"The OvationONS II devices can be easily combined with an optical lens for a two-piece assembly that measures only 8mm x 8mm x 4mm, which is small enough to fit completely on the head of an AA battery," Cypress said. The integration and programmability of the device are said to ease mouse design and manufacturing processes.

The OvationONS II laser SoC is based on Cypress' 0.13? SONOS mixed-signal process technology, which is expected to deliver low power and high performance. It supports 0.8V to 5.5V operation, enabling both wired and wireless applications with a single AA battery. The family's architecture, based on the company's PSoC mixed-signal array technology, is set to enable fast-to-market designs and in-system debugging using its PSoC designer software tool with prebuilt, drag-and-drop "user modules."

In addition, the new laser navigation SoC integrates the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) in the package, meeting Class I eye-safety requirements. The device eliminates the need for power calibration of the VCSEL or optical alignment at a customer's factory. This further simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly costs. All products in the family share the same pin-out and are mechanically compatible, enabling customers to offer multiple products without changing PCB layout and mechanical system alteration.

The family includes the following products:

CYONS2000: USB interface targeted at mainstream wired mice

CYONS2001: wireless interface targeted at mainstream wireless mice

CYONS2100: USB interface targeted at wired gaming mice

CYONS2101: wireless interface targeted at wireless gaming mice

CYONS2110: USB and wireless interfaces at targeted at high-end applications.

All of the devices are available in 42-pin quad flat no-lead packages.

- Gina Roos
eeProductCenter