Electronics Technology


6-channel 'charge transfer' touch sensor

20 November 2002 Electronics Technology

Quantum Research Group released the QT160, the first sensor IC from its QTouch family to offer six channels of touch sensing. The chip is based on Quantum's proprietary, patented 'QProx' charge-transfer (QT) technology. This is a self-contained digital IC with a RISC core capable of detecting near-proximity or touch. It can be used to create up to six 'touch buttons' through glass, plastic, stone, ceramic, or even wood, according to the company. It can also turn common objects into touch sensors.

The QT160 is designed specifically for human interfaces, for example in appliances, lighting controls, computer peripherals or anywhere a mechanical switch or button may be found. It not only allows OEMs to create sleek, innovative touch controls, but also offers a practical way to create sealed, IP67-rated keypads.

The device requires only one common inexpensive capacitor per channel in order to function. Each of the six channels operates independently of the other channels and each can be tuned for unique sensitivity levels by simply changing capacitor values. Sensitivity can be set to easily penetrate more than 100 mm of glass, says Quantum. The QT160 also allows designers to easily backlight touch-keys at very low cost.

For more information contact Analog Data Products SA, 011 259 9400.





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Nanometre-precision piezo actuators
RS South Africa Electronics Technology
TDK Corporation has announced two new piezo actuators that are characterised by a wide dynamic range, a high force-to-volume ratio, but with precision in the nanometre range.

Read more...
Webinar: The evolving electrification of the power distribution system
Infineon Technologies Electronics Technology
New connected car functionality, along with the necessity to reduce the cost, weight and complexity associated with wire harnesses, has led to the transformation of the power distribution system in automotive engineering.

Read more...
Improved MnZn material for power conversion industry
Sivan Electronic Supplies Electronics Technology
Cosmo Ferrites Ltd, a leading manufacturer of soft ferrites, has launched an improved version of CF295 for the power conversion industry.

Read more...
Common mode filter for automotive Ethernet
Avnet Abacus Electronics Technology
TDK Corporation has announced the introduction of its new ACT1210E Series common mode filter for automotive Ethernet 10BASE-T1S.

Read more...
Energising the industrial edge
Electronics Technology
As if the drive to decarbonise energy as part of sustainability and climate change efforts was not enough, the recent rise in energy prices has brought into sharp contrast the need to re-examine how we generate, distribute, and consume electricity.

Read more...
Samsung begins chip production using 3 nm process technology
EBV Electrolink Electronics Technology
The optimised 3 nm process with GAA architecture achieves 45% lower power usage, 23% improved performance and 16% smaller surface area compared to 5 nm process.

Read more...
Panasonic releases its updated touch-sensitive knob
Altron Arrow Electronics Technology
Panasonic, in conjunction with Microchip, has launched an update to its existing Magic Knob, a capacitive knob ready for standard touch sensors for use in controlling automotive information displays.

Read more...
Microchip’s new IC to replace Hall effect position sensors
Altron Arrow Electronics Technology
The LX34070 IC from Microchip is set to help accelerate the global move away from expensive and less accurate magnet-based solutions for safety-critical EV motor position monitoring.

Read more...
A brief history of HBTs
Conical Technologies Electronics Technology
In 1947 the engineers at Bell Labs were tasked with developing a transistor. This development heralded the beginning of the semiconductor industry which changed the world forever. Transistors would have ...

Read more...
Research project achieves major advance toward fusion energy
Electronics Technology
New superconducting magnet designed by MIT breaks magnetic field strength records, paving the way for practical, commercial, carbon-free power.

Read more...