Single-key capacitive touch controllers target portables

San Jose, Calif.—Atmel Corp. has launched a family of single-key touch controllers for the portable device market that offers designers power consumption below 17 µA for next-generation portable touch devices, including power buttons, hearing devices, consumer toys and proximity sensors. The embedded low-power features in Atmel's new family of single-key touch controllers also enable longer battery life for these portable devices.

Based on Atmel's patented QTouch capacitive touch technology for buttons, wheels and sliders, the AT42QT101X line of single-key capacitive touch controllers are designed to offer a better response time. When a key touch is detected, the devices will temporarily switch to a 12.6 ms fast response mode, allowing additional touches to be detected quickly.

Similar to all Atmel touch technology devices, the AT42QT101X family uses spread spectrum modulation to ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). AT42QT101X devices automatically calibrate when powered up. The device will also stay calibrated, even with moisture build-up or other contaminants on the touch surface.

Atmel's AT42QT101X family of flexible single-channel capacitive touch key ICs include the AT42QT1010, AT42QT1011 and AT42QT1012. Atmel's AT42QT1010 includes a timer to reset a 'stuck key' condition after 60 seconds, while the AT42QT1011 indicates a touch condition while the sensor is 'in detect' mode but does not have a timeout. Atmel's AT42QT1012 includes a touch-on/touch-off or "toggle" key and also includes a configurable power down timer, preventing devices from inadvertently being left on.

Pricing: Starts at $0.20 for high-volume.
Availability: Now.

Atmel Corp., www.atmel.com