Atmel's 6-Channel Touch Controller with Integral LED Driver

Atmel Corporation has announced its AT42QT1060, a touch control chip that integrates 6 channels of touch sensing with the ability to drive up to 7 low current LEDs directly through a pulse width modulated (PWM) output function. The device operates from 5.5VDC down to 1.8VDC and consumes less than 1uA in standby mode to give long battery life; it comes in a tiny 4mm x 4mm MLF28 package, for use in mobile phones and other handheld devices. The AT42QT1060 is designed for use in portable electronics products. An inbuilt capacitive guard channel feature helps prevent false triggering, for example, where moisture is an issue. This feature also prevents against erroneous commands that can occur when devices such as MP3 players are carried in a pocket, or in the case of a cellular phone, when it is held against the ear. The highly integrated AT42QT1060 reduces component count, cutting design complexity and cost, and enabling faster product development.



The sensor chip is based on Quantum's patented QTouch charge-transfer sensing method. This technology uses spread-spectrum modulation to achieve high immunity to electrical noise and a patented technique -- Adjacent Key Suppression (AKS) -- ensures that only the intended key is activated by the touch of a finger. The AT42QT1060 functions through any insulating panel including glass or plastic up to 3mm thick. Electrodes can be made from copper, silver, carbon, indium tin oxide (ITO) or Orgacon conductive ink and must be 6 x 6mm or larger. Widely different electrode sizes and shapes are possible, giving the product designer great flexibility in tailoring the user interface. The samples of the AT42QT1060 are available now in a space-saving 4mm x 4mm package. The device is priced at $0.89 in quantities of 100,000 units per year.