QT100A: New Single-Channel Touch Sensor IC

Charge-Transfer QTouch™ Chip

The QT100A charge-transfer ('QT') touch sensor is a self-contained digital IC capable of detecting near-proximity or touch. It will project a touch or proximity field through any dielectric like glass, plastic, stone, ceramic, and even most kinds of wood. It can also turn small metal-bearing objects into intrinsic sensors, making them responsive to proximity or touch. This capability, coupled with its ability to self-calibrate, can lead to entirely new product concepts. It is designed specifically for human interfaces, like control panels, appliances, toys, lighting controls, or anywhere a mechanical switch or button may be found.

Power consumption is around 600µA in most applications when running in Fast response mode. This typically drops to 6-12µA at 2V Vdd in Low Power mode, depending on the burst length. In most cases the power supply need only be minimally regulated; for example, by Zener diodes or an inexpensive three-terminal regulator. The QT100A only requires a common inexpensive X7R ceramic capacitor in order to function. The QT100A is available in two tiny and cost-effective packages, 6-Pin WSON and a 10-Pin MSOP package

The QT100A employs signal processing techniques pioneered by Quantum; these are specifically designed to make the device survive real-world challenges, such as 'stuck sensor' conditions and signal drift.

The Quantum-pioneered HeartBeat™ signal is also included, allowing a microcontroller to monitor the health of the QT100A continuously, if desired. By using the charge transfer principle, the IC delivers a level of performance clearly superior to older technologies in two highly cost-effective packages.

Evaluation Board

The E100S evaluation board has been developed to show the capabilities of the QT100 and the QT100A. The board demonstrates the chip in a typical application; a simple through-panel single-switch. The E100S illustrates how a QTouch™ solution requires only a very simple circuit design and a minimum of external components. See the downloads table below for a schematic diagram of the board.

The kit includes the board and 2 additional QT100 ICs.

E100S Kit Price: US$11.75. Please contact us for availability information.

Ordering Information

Download a faxable order form

Price

‡ Price Bands (100k drop price indications, in US$, FOB UK)
A: under $0.50 | B: $0.50 - $0.80 | C: $0.80 - $1.50 | D: over $1.50