Microchip Expands Capabilities of mTouch(TM) Capacitive Touch-Sensing Technology

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Robust Capacitive Touch-Sensing Technology Now Works Through Metal and Gloves; Is Unaffected By Liquids

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, today announced the first and only technology in the industry to enable capacitive touch sensing with a metal front panel. Building upon the success of the initial release of mTouch(TM) capacitive touch-sensing technology, the royalty-free, robust technology now works through gloves and on surfaces that contain liquids, and it enables Braille to be used on capacitive touch-sensing interfaces. Designers can integrate mTouch capacitive touch-sensing functionality with their existing application code in an 8-, 16- or 32-bit PIC(R) microcontroller (MCU), thus reducing total system costs. Information on how to implement these new capabilities is available for download, now, from Microchip's online Touch Sensing Design Center (http://www.microchip.com/get/4JJ0).

Touch sensing continues to gain traction as an alternative to traditional push-button user interfaces, because it enables a completely sealed, modern-looking design. Major applications for mTouch capacitive touch-sensing user interfaces include those in the appliance market, because of the possibility of a stainless-steel front panel; the industrial market, because of the technology's robustness; and the automotive market, because of the technology's sleek aesthetics. Low-power mTouch capacitive touch-sensing technology features an active current of less than 5 micro Amperes, helping to reduce overall power consumption.

"mTouch capacitive touch-sensing technology enables customers to easily and inexpensively add touch-sensing interfaces to their designs," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. "Designers can implement our royalty-free technology using their existing hardware and software in applications with metal front panels, where liquids are present, and for users wearing thick gloves."

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/8WGA.

Note: The Microchip name and logo, and PIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A., and other countries. mTouch is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A., and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

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Tags / Keywords: Microchip, MCHP, PIC, microcontroller, MCU, mTouch, touch sensing, capacitive, metal, human interface, user interface, stainless steel

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    Source: Microchip Technology Inc.

Released June 14, 2010