Electronic device including a capacitive sensor in a housing

An electronic device comprising:

• a capacitive sensor including a capacitor having at least one sensor electrode;
• a housing that encloses the capacitive sensor and having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, wherein the housing includes an electrically insulating material, wherein the at least one sensor electrode is separated from the outer surface by the housing;
• an electrically conductive element disposed on the inner surface of the housing and in conductive contact with the at least one sensor electrode;
• and
• a controller coupled to the capacitive sensor, wherein:
• the controller is configured to determine whether the electronic device is in contact or in close proximity to an object based at least in part on a rate of capacitance charge of the capacitor when the capacitive sensor is energized,
• when the controller determines the electronic device is in contact or in close proximity to an object, the controller activates an active power mode of the electronic device, and
• when the controller determines the electronic device is not in contact or in close proximity to an object, the controller activates a low-power mode of the electronic device.

An electronic device comprising:

• a capacitive sensor including a capacitor having at least one sensor electrode;
• a housing that encloses the capacitive sensor and having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, wherein the housing includes an electrically insulating material, wherein the at least one sensor electrode is separated from the outer surface by the housing;
• an electrically conductive element at least partially embedded in the housing and electrically connected to the at least one sensor electrode;
• and
• a controller coupled to the capacitive sensor, wherein:
• the controller is configured to determine whether the electronic device is in contact or in close proximity to an object based at least in part on a rate of capacitance charge of the capacitor when the capacitive sensor is energized,
• when the controller determines the electronic device is in contact or in close proximity to an object, the controller activates an active power mode of the electronic device, and
• when the controller determines the electronic device is not in contact or in close proximity to an object, the controller activates a low-power mode of the electronic device.