IC makes high-tech skates possible

The CapSense device heats the Therma Blade and powers down the system during periods of inactivity to extend battery life.

Cypress Semiconductor's PSoC CapSense solution for capacitive sensing is employed in the heated hockey blades made by Therma Blade.

Therma Blades are skate blades that use electronics to heat the blade, thereby reducing friction between the blade and ice surface, creating a smoother feel and improved skating performance.

The PSoC solution allows the heat to be turned on and off using touch sensitive controls, eliminating the need for mechanical buttons that can be broken or pressed accidentally, an important feature considering the very physical nature of hockey.

The CapSense solution also is waterproof.

The skate takes advantage of a CapSensePLUS device in which the PSoC solution does much more than just on and off controls.

The CapSense device also heats the skate blade and powers down the system during periods of inactivity to extend battery life.

"The Therma Blade concept is simple, yet it takes complex electronics to bring it to market with the combination of intelligence, light weight and economy that our product delivers", said Michael Chiasson, Vice President of Research, Design and Development for Therma Blade.

"The flexibility of the PSoC solution and the help we received from our design partner, Artaflex, were instrumental in getting this product to market quickly and with the right features to make it successful".

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