Microchip adds peripheral touch control to select MCUs

Article By : Microchip Technology

The ATtiny817 is also the first to be supported by the Atmel START Code Configurator and the code-compact QTouch modular library of firmware.

Microchip Technology has added an enhanced version of the Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) to several of its microcontrollers, including the ATtiny817/816/814. The PTC is a small and cost-effective Core Independent Peripheral (CIP) that enables capacitive touch on standard microcontrollers. It also features superior water tolerance and is configured through the Atmel START Code Configurator for ease of use.

CIPs are designed to handle their task with no code or supervision from the CPU to maintain operation. As a CIP, the Peripheral Touch Controller simplifies the implementation of touch sensing, giving designers the flexibility to focus on the rest of the application.

[Microchip ATtiny817 QTouch (cr)]
__Figure 1:__ *ATtiny817 QTouch Water Demonstration Board (Source: Microchip)*

Touch solutions using the PTC combine advanced noise handling, water-tolerant touch and low-power wake-on-touch operation. An IEC 61000-4-6 conducted immunity rating of 15Vrms makes it easy for customers to pass electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards, especially in the home appliance and automotive markets. Water-tolerant touch enables outdoor usage and enhances user experience. In addition, it is able to use less power with advanced sleep and wake-up functionality, making it ideal for wearable and other battery-powered applications.

The software support provided by Microchip’s ecosystem further adds to the ease of use. The ATtiny817 is the first in a line to be supported by the Atmel START Code Configurator and the code-compact QTouch modular library of firmware. As a web-based tool, Atmel START will enable users to always benefit from the latest state-of-the-art touch libraries.

[Microchip ATtiny817 Xplained pro board (cr)]
__Figure 2:__ *ATtiny817 Xplained Pro Board (Source: Microchip)*

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