Somalytics launches sensor test kits

Somalytics, Inc. is making it easier for designers to incorporate its innovative SomaCap carbon-nanotube paper composite (CPC) capacitive sensors into new designs with the release of its SomaCap test kit packages. Aimed at a range of applications, including consumer electronics, AR/VR, IoT, health and wellness and transportation, the test kits are available in a SomaLive Demo Puck, SomaCap Sensor Test Kit Bundle and a Bundle Kit plus extra sensors.

Introduced in 2022, SomaCap is claimed as the smallest nano-based capacitive sensor made of nano-infused paper composite, opening up a new category of sensor technology, said the company. In addition, the sensors are said to deliver greater sensitivity for devices in a smaller size, require lower power to operate and at lower cost to the manufacturer than other available sensor technologies. The sensor can be used for proximity sensing, gesture control and touch and fluid monitoring.

(Source: Somalytics, Inc.)

These test kits include custom coding and offer a plug-and-play option to make it easy to evaluate the sensors. Each sensor kit package includes one or more of the SomaCap test kits. Each kit contains two nano-infused paper capacitive SomaCap sensors that measure 11 × 15 mm, including PET plus silver wire. These sensors are used with the included Arduino Nano (comparable) and breakout PCB board (the FDC1004 10VSSOP chipset to be purchased separately). They also include a user manual and GUI software for reading, graphing and downloading capacitance.

Here are more details on the test kit packages.

The SomaLive Demo Puck is a plastic lollipop-shaped puck containing the SomaCap sensors. The puck includes SomaDrive, Somalytics’ Precision Electronics, a serial USB, I2C outputs, a user manual and GUI software. It is priced at $250.

The SomaCap Test Bundle, priced at $1,000, contains two SomaLive Demo Pucks and two SomaCap test kits. The SomaCap Test Bundle plus 10 sensors, priced at $1,100, includes two SomaLive Demo Pucks, two SomaCap test kits and 10 SomaCap sensors.