Single-Channel Touch-Sensor Provides On/Off/Wake-Up Control

Promising to improve the performance and styling of mobile phones, portable consumer products, and appliances, the STM8T141 single-channel touch sensor draws as little as 11 mA and can detect user presence via the touch-sensor electrode, responding quickly to wake the system from a low-power sleep mode. The chip is designed to monitor a single touch-sensing electrode embedded on the control panel of the end product or in the outer casing. The device also supports proximity sensing, allowing equipment to be controlled without direct contact from the user. Other features include built-in calibration and compensation and four sensitivity levels allowing adjustment for panel material and thickness. Available in an SO-8 package, pricing is $0.45 each/10,000. STMICROELECTRONICS, Lexington, MA. (888) 787-3550.