Philips LivingColors is using QTouch™ technology

Philips chooses a QTouch™ IC from Quantum to create a sophisticated user interface in the remote control of its new LivingColors domestic lighting product.

Quantum’s QT1106 capacitive sensor chip is capable of detecting near-proximity or touch on up to seven electrodes and a wheel or a slider, selectable by the user. Philips’ LivingColors LED lighting system for the home allows users to change the colour of their lighting via a remote control in which the QT1106 drives a touch wheel and 6 touch buttons.

The QT1106 allows electrodes to project sense fields through any dielectric such as glass or plastic. Each key channel can be tuned for a unique sensitivity level by simply changing a corresponding external capacitor, and the wheel/slider's sensitivity can be changed dynamically through dedicated commands over a serial SPI interface.

The device is designed specifically for human interfaces including control panels, appliances, gaming devices, lighting controls, remote controls, or anywhere a mechanical wheel, slider, or switch may be found.

The QT1106 also incorporates Quantum’s patented AKS™ Adjacent Key Suppression, which suppresses touch from keys with a weaker response and only allows the dominant key to register a touch.