Ideal for implementing small touchpads, no need for a dedicated touch controller

Microchip Technology Inc. today announced the availability of its new 2D Touch Surface library.

This software library allows developers to easily implement touchpads using Microchip's 8-bit PIC and AVR microcontrollers (MCUs) and 32-bit SAM MCUs. Available free with the purchase of all compatible MCUs, the library provides a simple, low-cost solution for embedded applications.

The 2D Touch Surface library is ideal for implementing small touchpads and screens, and can be run on the device's existing MCU, reducing costs. This eliminates the need for a dedicated touch controller, allowing for the flexible addition of finger position tracking and gesture detection capabilities such as swiping, pinching, and zooming.

This touch library is included in Microchip's code configurators, MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) for PIC MCUs and Atmel START for AVR and SAM MCUs. Both software tools offer simplified graphical configuration and accelerate development with optimized C code tailored to each project's needs. The 2D Touch Surface library is currently available in Atmel START and will be available in MCC this quarter.

An intuitive and attractive user interface is crucial to the success of a product. The 2D Touch Surface library eliminates the need to integrate expensive operating systems to meet consumer expectations for smartphone-like interfaces. It is optimized for easily adding touch functionality to a wide range of applications, spanning consumer electronics such as smart speakers, steering wheels, and thermostats, as well as automotive and industrial applications.

“Capacitive touch is already mainstream, and the need for low-power, gesture-enabled touch surfaces is only increasing,” said Fanie Duvenhage, vice president of Microchip’s touch and gesture business unit. “The 2D Touch Surface library makes implementing small touch pads and screens easier and more cost-effective.”

This library offers low-power performance for touchpads and can scan the entire surface simultaneously, even in deep sleep mode. This solution, built on the fundamental requirement for touch functionality—reliability—continues to respond and function even under the influence of moisture and noise, making it ideal for automotive and home appliance applications. It operates well in wet environments and can withstand 10 V of conducted noise, meeting the requirements of Test Level 3 under IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 6100-4-6.