Microchip Technology Unveils the MTCH2120 Touch Controller
Turnkey touch controllers are revolutionizing the way we interact with devices, allowing a seamless transition from traditional mechanical buttons to sophisticated touch interfaces. With the introduction of the MTCH2120 touch controller, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) is giving designers a user-friendly solution to enhance touch button capabilities in their products. This low-power, water-resistant device is designed to integrate effortlessly within Microchip’s extensive product ecosystem, simplifying the design process and facilitating the transition from other turnkey solutions and microcontroller-based touch applications.
Innovative Features of the MTCH2120
The MTCH2120 promises to deliver a superior touch experience, demonstrating resilience in challenging environments with noise and moisture. It offers remarkable flexibility, allowing it to adapt to various product needs. With its low-power functionality, designers can cluster buttons, minimizing scanning activity and reducing energy consumption while ensuring buttons remain fully responsive.
Key Features and Ecosystem Benefits
This new touch controller comes with an array of features and ecosystem advantages:
- The Easy Tune feature, which automatically adjusts sensitivity and filtering levels by assessing noise in real time, eliminating the need for complicated threshold adjustments.
- An MPLAB Harmony Host Code Configurator plugin that simplifies the connection to Microchip's MCUs and MPUs, removing the need to program the I2C protocol on the host.
- Design validation available through the MPLAB Data Visualizer.
- I2C port expander capabilities.
- Access to Microchip’s robust touch library, which minimizes the need for complex software engineering and helps streamline the development timeline.
- The MTCH2120 evaluation board, featuring a SAM C21 host MCU for instant integration into prototypes.
Expert Insight on the MTCH2120
Rodger Richey, a vice president at Microchip Technology, states, "The MTCH2120 brings together decades of touch experience with our comprehensive ecosystem of support and development tools, providing an effortless and advanced touch experience. It offers developers top-tier robustness and flexibility, cutting down on the complexities of tuning and programming."
Expanding the MTCH Family of Touch Controllers
The MTCH2120 is the first of its kind in Microchip's MTCH family to employ the I2C protocol. Previous models like the MTCH1010, MTCH1030, and MTCH1060 deliver robust touch capabilities along with a straightforward GPIO interface. With the launch of the MTCH2XXX family, additional solutions will be available, enhancing bus-controlled flexibility and making the benefits of this design ecosystem accessible across diverse markets.
Availability and Support
The MTCH2120 is now available for purchase through Microchip sales representatives, authorized distributors, or directly via Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website. Customers can easily obtain the device and access detailed information to accelerate their projects.
About Microchip Technology
As a leader in embedded control and processing solutions, Microchip Technology Inc. empowers users to create effective designs that reduce risk while lowering system costs and market launch times. With a portfolio that services over 100,000 customers across various sectors including industrial, automotive, and communications, Microchip is well positioned to support innovation and development. For further details, visit Microchip's official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MTCH2120 touch controller?
The MTCH2120 is a turnkey capacitive touch controller designed to enhance user interfaces by enabling touch capabilities while simplifying integration within products.
How does the Easy Tune feature work?
This feature automatically adjusts the touch sensor’s sensitivity and filtering levels based on real-time noise assessments, making setup easier for developers.
What advantages does the MTCH2120 offer for power management?
The MTCH2120 features low-power characteristics, allowing for button grouping that reduces energy consumption while keeping the buttons operational.
What is the purpose of the MPLAB Harmony Host Code Configurator?
This plugin eliminates the need for developers to implement the I2C protocol manually, allowing for a hassle-free connection between the touch controller and Microchip MCUs.
How does Microchip Technology support touch solutions development?
Microchip offers comprehensive development tools, technical support, and a user-friendly ecosystem to assist developers in creating efficient and effective touch solutions.
