QSlide™ QT411 IC: Touch Slider Technology

The QT411 chip is targeted primarily at portable applications. It features low power consumption and enhanced operation under difficult sensing conditions. The device is available as a TSSOP package. The QT411 is a direct replacement for the QT401.

Using Quantum's patented Charge-Transfer sensing method, the QT411 is a ‘slider’ chip that senses along a line or arc to provide a linear touch sensing output, to a resolution of one part in 128. This chip is ideal for control panels in appliances, or in just about any consumer product where you would expect to see a knob or linear control, for example for brightness, volume, temperature, power and other functions.

This new technology uses a simple resistive element as the capacitive sensor; it will easily penetrate 3 mm of plastic or glass. The output is a SPI serial interface. The sensor uses Quantum’s proprietary charge-transfer ('QT') spread spectrum sensing method to effectively suppress EMI noise problems; the result is a sensor that is extremely reliable, and sealed.

The data output can be interpreted as either a linear control, or as a series of buttons or a mixture of the two, depending on the needs of the designer. To create buttons from a slider, you only need to interpret number sub-ranges as being buttons. As many as 8 buttons are possible in this way.

The QT411 can even be used with clear Indium-Tin-Oxide ('ITO') sensing elements to create LED-backlit touch zones for a very dramatic effect, or to show position after the touch is released. This also allows the device to be used as an incredibly inexpensive, yet near-indestructible 'touch screen' strip over an LCD display panel, for much less cost than a resistive screen or in many cases, mechanical 'bezel buttons'.

Evaluation Board

The E411 board lets you develop your control panels with the QT411 QSlide™ chip. This board features a SPI interface; a USB adaptor comes with the E411 to allow the board to display its output on a PC. This board shows how easy it is to drop a low-cost touch slider into your product.

The board communicates with a PC to show the output of the touch slider in real time. This invaluable tool helps you optimize the operation of the part in your application.

Ordering Information

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