Microchip Builds Out Portfolio of Capacitive Touch Controllers

While it may not seem like it, it has almost been a century since the first touch controller was created. Since then, touchscreens have become an integral part of our everyday lives, informing our interactions with our phones and tablets, automobiles, and even our dishwashers.

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Microchip Technology has recently introduced the new MTCH2120 to its portfolio of capacitive touch controllers to give designers a turnkey method for implementing these touchscreen devices into our modern-day ecosystem.

The 12-button MTC2120 turnkey tough controller is designed to replace mechanical push buttons. 

What’s Special About the MTCH2120 Controller?

What makes the MTCH2120 (datasheet linked) stand out compared to other touch controllers? To start, Microchip Technology’s MTCH2120 capacitive touch controller uses an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, facilitating smooth communication between the controller and host processors.

Example circuit using 11 buttons with driven shield.

I2C is a two-wire serial bus that enables communication between multiple devices while minimizing the amount of I/O resources. This allows the MTCH2120 to operate at 100 kHz but can support up to 1 MHz depending on the supporting devices, making it useful for pin-constrained applications. This can enhance simplistic designs and ease the implementation of water-tolerant touch buttons and proximity sensing in various applications. Microchip says the MTCH2120 controller can support up to 12 capacitive touch buttons and can accommodate diverse product requirements ranging from the automotive to industrial appliance industries.

Built for Varied Environments and Materials

The MTCH2120 includes an MPLAB Harmony Host Code Configurator plug-in that streamlines I2C protocol implementation, significantly reducing development complexity. The device is also designed for water tolerance and incorporates automatic environmental compensation, ensuring reliable operation across varying conditions. The MTCH2120 includes a configurable GPIO, further enhancing integration possibilities and fostering a versatile application development environment.

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To ensure reliable touch detection in challenging noise environments, the MTCH2120 employs advanced algorithms that filter out unwanted signals. Its detection sensors can work through various materials, such as plastics, wood, and metal front panels. Microchip supports this feature with its proprietary Metal-Over-Capacitive (MoC) technology, which expands the range of compatible conductive sensor materials, such as copper, silver ink, and indium-tin-oxide (ITO) pads.

Software and Development Support

Microchip has provided software development support for the new controller, including an Easy Tune feature, which automatically adjusts sensitivity without manual tuning. The MTCH2120 evaluation board, the EV64Z42A, helps facilitate rapid prototyping with out-of-the-box integration. Additionally, designers can utilize Microchip’s touch library and conduct validation through the MPLAB data visualizer, further aiding the development process while reducing design cycles.

With Microchip Technology’s new 12-button touch controller, developers may now simplify the transition from mechanical to touch interfaces in the newest generation of products.

All images used courtesy of Microchip.