Capacitive Touch Controllers Consume Little Power

The AT42QT101X family of single-key touch controllers target portable products with a power consumption below 17 µA. Via patented QTouch capacitive touch technology, the controllers offer a better response time. This feature allows mobile touch devices to wake up fast. For example, when a key touch is detected, these devices will temporarily switch to a 12.6-ms response mode. The family includes the AT42QT1010, AT42QT1011, and AT42QT1012. The AT42QT1010 includes a timer to reset a stuck-key condition after 60s while the AT42QT1011 indicates a touch condition while the sensor is in detect mode but does not have a timeout. The AT42QT1012 includes a touch-on/touch-off or toggle key and also includes a configurable power down timer. AT42QT101X devices are available now with prices starting at $0.20 each in high volume. ATMEL CORP., San Jose, CA. (408) 441-0311.