Microchip Introduces its First Turnkey Touch Controllers for Buttons, Sliders and Wheels
Microchip Technology has introduced the MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P, its first turnkey capacitive-touch controllers to incorporate parallel sensing for buttons, sliders, and wheels. Announced on October 8, 2026, these controllers are designed to simplify the development of display-free human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for appliances and equipment, aiming to reduce system cost and design complexity for manufacturers.
The new controllers address challenges in implementing sophisticated touch interfaces that combine high-end decorative surfaces with illuminated capacitive-touch elements. Conventional touch controllers often require numerous sensors, which can increase acquisition time and reduce the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Microchip's parallel-sensing approach tackles this by acquiring data from multiple sensors simultaneously, ensuring fast response times and a high SNR.
Both the MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P integrate 12 on-chip analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) operating in parallel. This architecture enables reliable touch detection in noisy environments and through thick cover materials, even when users are wearing gloves. The controllers also support IEC/UL 60730 Class B functional safety certification and operation at temperatures up to 105°C, making them suitable for demanding conditions.
The MTCH3380P supports up to 38 sensors in self-capacitance mode and up to 64 sensors in mutual-capacitance mode, while the MTCH3240P supports up to 24 sensors in self-capacitance mode and up to 32 sensors in mutual-capacitance mode. Microchip also provides development resources, including the mTouch Studio development environment, evaluation hardware, and host drivers for Linux and Zephyr, to streamline the development workflow.
Source Link: Press Release
Specifications
| Product | Self-Capacitance Sensor Capacity | Mutual-Capacitance Sensor Capacity | Parallel On-Chip ADCs | Maximum Operating Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTCH3380P | Up to 38 sensors | Up to 64 sensors | 12 | 105°C |
| MTCH3240P | Up to 24 sensors | Up to 32 sensors | 12 | 105°C |
Key Features
- Parallel sensing architecture for capacitive-touch buttons, sliders, and wheels, acquiring data from multiple sensors simultaneously.
- Incorporates 12 on-chip analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) operating in parallel.
- The MTCH3380P supports up to 38 sensors in self-capacitance mode and up to 64 sensors in mutual-capacitance mode.
- The MTCH3240P supports up to 24 sensors in self-capacitance mode and up to 32 sensors in mutual-capacitance mode.
- Designed for fast response times and a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
- Enhanced touch sensitivity, supporting detection through thick cover materials and when users are wearing gloves.
- Provides reliable touch detection in noisy operating environments.
- Supports IEC/UL 60730 Class B functional safety certification.
- Operates at temperatures up to 105°C.
- Supported by the mTouch Studio development environment, evaluation hardware, and host drivers for Linux and Zephyr.
- Turnkey implementation intended to simplify HMI development and reduce design complexity.
Applications
- Home appliances
- Ovens
- Cooktops
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
- Electric vehicle chargers
- Parking meters
- Kiosks
Availability
Microchip Technology’s MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P turnkey capacitive-touch controllers are available for purchase directly from Microchip or through its worldwide sales representatives and authorized distributors. The MTCH3380P starts at US$1.06 per unit, while the MTCH3240P starts at US$0.80 per unit, with pricing based on quantities of 10,000 units. Both controllers feature parallel sensing for buttons, sliders and wheels, supporting fast touch acquisition and reliable performance in display-free human-machine interfaces.
