Easily configure low-power touchpads with Microchip's new interface gesture software library

Capacitive touch has been widely used in a wide range of industries and applications, replacing the knobs and buttons that once controlled electronic products with smooth and intuitive touch panels. Touch control is no longer a new favorite for high-end products. Consumers can now use touch control on everyday devices such as headphones, remote controls, coffee machines and thermostats without paying extra for the interface. Microchip Technology Inc. (Microchip Technology) recently announced the launch of a new 2D touch surface software library that allows designers to easily implement touch panels using the company's 8-bit PIC® and AVR® microcontrollers (MCUs) and 32-bit SAM MCUs. This software library is free with the purchase of any compatible MCU, and it provides a simple and low-cost solution for embedded applications.

Ideal for implementing small touchpads and touchscreens, the 2D Touch Surface Software Library runs on the device’s existing MCU, so there is no additional cost. This eliminates the need for a dedicated touch controller, giving product designers the flexibility to add finger position tracking and gesture detection features, such as swipe and zoom, to their products. The touch library is available through Microchip’s code configurators, including MPLAB® Code Configurator (MCC) for PIC MCUs and Atmel START for AVR and SAM MCUs. Both software tools simplify graphical configuration and increase development speed with streamlined C code tailored to individual projects. The 2D Touch Surface Software Library is available now on Atmel START and will be available on MCC this quarter.

Intuitive and beautiful user interfaces are key to product success, and with the 2D Touch Surface Library, you can provide consumers with an interface experience comparable to smartphones without integrating an expensive operating system. This library is ideal for adding touch capabilities to a variety of applications in the consumer, automotive, and industrial fields, such as smart speakers, steering wheels, or thermostats.

“Capacitive touch has gone mainstream, and we are seeing a growing number of applications that require low-power gesture touch interfaces,” said Fanie Dövenhage, vice president of Microchip’s touch and gesture business unit. “The 2D Touch Surface Software Library reduces the difficulty and cost of implementing small touchpads and touchscreens.”

The software library enables the touch panel to have inherent low power performance, as the entire surface can be scanned at once in deep sleep. Reliability is a fundamental requirement for touch functionality, and the solution provides continuous responsiveness and functionality by eliminating the effects of water and noise, meeting the needs of automotive and home appliance applications. The implementation should be able to operate in humid environments and withstand 10V of conducted noise, meeting the requirements of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 6100-4-6 test level 3.

The 2D Touch Library complements Microchip’s portfolio of high-performance maXTouch® touchscreen controllers and the recently announced new MGC3140 automotive-grade 3D gesture controller, furthering the company’s commitment to providing leading-edge user interface solutions.

development tools

The DM080101 Water Tolerance Touch Surface Development Kit makes it easy to evaluate the 2D Touch Surface Software Library. The kit demonstrates the water tolerance and interference immunity of the touch pad and features two touch buttons, all controlled by the same MCU.

Availability

The 2D Touch Surface Software Library is available free of charge with any compatible MCU purchase. The DM080101 Water Resistant Touch Surface Development Kit is available now.

For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's website. To purchase products mentioned in this press release, visit Microchip's easy-to-use online sales channel microchipDIRECT or contact one of Microchip's authorized distribution partners.

About Microchip Technology Inc.

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading global supplier of integrated microcontrollers, mixed-signal, analog devices and flash memory patent solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower system total cost and faster time to market for thousands of consumer products worldwide. Microchip is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, USA, and provides excellent technical support, reliable products and excellent quality. For more information about Microchip products, please visit www.cecport.com .