Chip Tightens Control Over Touch-Screens Used In Portables

Claimed to provide improved performance, lower power consumption, and lower cost than existing solutions, the ADS7846 single-chip, touch-screen controller features an on-board voltage reference, temperature sensing, battery monitoring, and touch-pressure measuring circuitry. The device can operate with supply voltages ranging from 2.7V to 5.25V and consumes less than 0.6 mW with full power-down control.
The touch-screen controller measures a change in resistance as the screen is touched. The resistive change is then used to determine the exact location of contact upon the screen. Targeted for use in PDAs, cell phones, and other portable products, the ADS7846 costs $2.30 each/1000 in a 16-pin SSOP.