To help engineers implement touch-sensitive controls with minimum additional effort, cost and size, STMicroelectronics has made available an open-source capacitive touch sensing software library for its 8-bit STM8 MCU platform.
The software library transforms any 8-bit STM8 MCU into a capacitive touch-key controller. Designers can combine touch sensing functions through multiple configurations, such as touch keys, wheels or sliders, while preserving the traditional STM8 MCU features for the application firmware, including communication, LED control, beeper and LCD control. The software is provided as royalty-free C source code and offers engineers the flexibility to configure, adapt or accommodate the library according to application needs.
Human touch is detected by monitoring the charge and the discharge timing cycle of an RC network formed by a single resistor and the touch electrode capacitance. Depending on which STM8 variant is used, as many as 24 individual touch pads can be supported. The touch sensing library only uses a small amount of the chip’s memory and processing capability, allowing designers to combine other application tasks in a single device. To optimise power consumption, the software also takes advantage of the STM8’s low-power modes.
The touch sensing library embeds advanced tools to help define keys, slider controls or rotary sensors, and to optimise touch sensitivity by adjusting parameters such as the touch detection threshold and the resolution of sliders or rotary controls. There are also innovative programmable features to optimise measurement accuracy and make the final application immune to noise.
An embedded automatic calibration software layer saves final adjustment during manufacturing and enables faster time to market. To maximise long-term reliability the library contains an environmental change system (ECS), which compensates for natural fluctuations in operating voltage and capacitance, as well as environmental effects such as temperature and humidity.
As well as source code for the touch-sensing software library, full supporting documentation includes the API description, a user manual for the software library, application notes and board layout recommendations, as well as code examples.
Accelerate development of physical AI deployments Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
With Avocado OS now available on the HummingBoard RZ-V2N-
AIoT and SolidSense AIoT V2N from SolidRun, teams can move from prototype to deployed fleet in weeks.
Read more...Universal NFC device Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
Delivering high-end performance in a compact 4 x 4 mm package, the multipurpose NFC reader from ST Microelectronics, enables the convenience of contactless interaction and features for various end applications.
Read more...Compact direct Time-of-Flight 3D LiDAR module Altron Arrow
AI & ML DSP, Micros & Memory
The VL53L9 from STMicroelectronics is the first direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR all-in-one module in ST’s portfolio, offering a resolution of 2,3K zones, wide field of view, on-chip processing, 100 frames per second, and sensing range from 5 centimeters to 9 meters.
Read more...SoC brings scalable edge AI to life Altron Arrow
AI & ML
The NXP i.MX 937 applications processor is optimised for performance without excessive power draw and bridges the gap between entry-level chips and high-end processors.
Read more...Compact direct Time-of-Flight 3D LiDAR module Altron Arrow
Opto-Electronics Electronics Technology AI & ML
The VL53L9 from STMicroelectronics is the first direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR all-in-one module in ST’s portfolio, offering a resolution of 2,3K zones, wide field of view, on-chip processing, 100 frames per second, and sensing range from 5 centimeters to 9 meters.
Read more...Generating negative voltages from a positive supply Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Passive Components
It is common for IoT devices, industrial sensors, meters, and medical equipment to require both a positive and negative voltage, and this article explains the options available to produce a negative rail from a positive rail supply.
Read more...Addressing latency and signal integrity challenges Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
Strengthening Microchip Technology’s data centre solutions portfolio, its XpressConnect retimers support high-bandwidth architectures, while helping reduce integration complexity.
Read more...Precision timing in compact package Altron Arrow
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Designed for use in harsh environments, the EX-423 incorporates a four-point mounted quartz crystal structure that improves shock resistance and reduces g-sensitivity.
Read more...Advanced STM32 debugging in VS Code
Design Automation
Once an STM32 project is running in VS Code, the IAR C-SPY Debug extension adds a professional-grade analysis layer that scales with project complexity.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version