A solution that enables faster and easier enhancement of interface functions in medical, consumer electronics, and automotive applications

February 1, 2012, Seoul – Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: FSL, www.freescale.co.kr ) announced the Xtrinsic touch sensor platform, a new device that combines capacitive touch sensors and resistive on-screen motion recognition technology into a single IC for the first time in the industry. This touch sensor solution is ideal for applications such as control panels, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), keyboard replacements, automotive, POS terminals, signature capture devices, and unmanned information terminals.

The Xtrinsic touch sensor platform not only provides capacitive touch capabilities but also includes motion recognition features for resistive screens to address markets and situations where capacitive screens are not a practical option. Resistive touch screens can be implemented more cheaply than capacitive screens and are an excellent alternative in cases where the use of gloves is essential for medical, climate, or security reasons.


The extensible touch sensor platform also expands Freescale’s Ready Play solution portfolio. Freescale Ready Play solutions are technologies that enable customers to add features while reducing development costs and simplifying design cycles by integrating certified application capabilities, thereby supporting scalability for applications and systems. With both capacitive and resistive technologies implemented in a single turnkey device, customers can add additional features to their products while reducing software development costs, board space, and time-to-market.

"Freescale's extrinsic capacitive and resistive touch sensor platform is the first device capable of integrating motion recognition without complex hardware or screen modifications," said Geoff Lees, Senior Vice President of Freescale's Industrial and Mixed Markets MCU business unit. "This platform provides a simple and affordable solution for customers looking to develop advanced user interfaces targeting markets where touch sensor technology has not previously been integrated, and will have a significant impact on mobile medical applications, automotive, netbooks, and smart mobile devices."

By utilizing the extensible touch sensor platform, up to four capacitive electrodes can be added to customer systems in a single 5x5mm, 32-pin QFN package. This platform includes standard XY resistive touchscreen sensing capabilities, and calibration and pressure sensing options for resistive screens are provided. Motion sensing features include user-configurable screen resolution, along with slide, 2-contact pinch and zoom, and 2-contact rotation functions for four touchscreen-independent capacitive electrodes utilizing I2C and UART communication protocols.

A proven leader in sensor solutions
Continuing over 30 years of sensor innovation, Freescale’s Xtrinsic sensor solutions optimally combine high-performance sensor capabilities, processing power, and custom software to support the development of differentiated smart sensor applications. Freescale’s vision for its Xtrinsic sensor solutions is to provide a diversified and differentiated product portfolio that meets the demands of the automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial sectors. Extrinsic solutions provide a unique combination of functionality and intelligence designed to differentiate and succeed in highly competitive markets.

Price and supply situation
The Extensible Capacitive and Resistive Touch Sensor Platform (CRTouch) will be included in the Tower System LCD development board to support advanced features across the Freescale portfolio. Sample quantities of this cost-effective development board are scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2012 at a price of $85 (USD). Linux and Android drivers will be available at http://www.freescale.com/PEG along with a free demo GUI (Graphical User Interface) and Freescale PEG graphics library examples.