Freescale Releases MPR121 Ultra-Low-Power Capacitive Sensor and Touch Sensing Software Suite

Freescale Semiconductor reported it is expanding its broad portfolio of touch sensing solutions with the addition of the MPR121 ultra-low-power capacitive sensor and a touch sensing software (TSS) suite compatible with more than 300 of its 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs).

Freescale said its second-generation MPR121 capacitive touch sensor provides touch detection through increased electrode count and integration of automatic calibration and area detection systems. The 12-pad touch sensor is available in the industry's smallest lead-free package and offers the lowest power consumption at 29 A average supply current, helping OEMs meet aggressive power targets.

"Freescale's MPR121 sensor includes ease-of-use functionality that helped Audiovox accelerate design cycles and quickly develop our newest MP3 players," said Tim DiGioia, general manger of the CG Group for Audiovox Electronic. "Audiovox has also leveraged the accuracy, reliability and low power operation of the MPR121 sensor to create new MP3 player products that deliver exceptional experiences for end-users."

The TSS suite provides an alternate solution by enabling the integration of touch sensing functionality into applications based on Freescale 8-bit MCUs. The suite speeds development by delivering pre-configured software that enables a range of features including rotary, slider and keypad functionality. The complimentary software also helps lower system cost by eliminating the need for additional sensor silicon in many designs.

"Freescale's portfolio of touch sensing solutions allows customers to choose the best option for their designs," said Bruno Baylac, director of industrial segment marketing for Freescale. "For specialized, low-power designs, the MPR121 provides a simple drop-in device; or by adding software, customers can transition the MCU in their system into a touch sensing interface."

Freescale's touch sensing solutions enable sleek interface designs for a variety of consumer and industrial applications. Freescale's broad portfolio of touch sensing solutions allows customers to select the option that meets their specific system requirements for power, software integration and quantity of touch points.

Customers can choose a 3- or 12-pad Freescale sensor or the touch-sensing software solution for a variety of applications including:

- Home appliances: cooktops, ovens, refrigerators, washing machines

- Consumer and portable electronics: media players, audio/video systems, TV sets, PCs, monitors, notebooks, MP3 players, cameras

- Medical and industrial equipment: control panels, portable medical devices

- Remote and lighting controls

- Low-resolution touch screens for photo frames and GPS systems

- Large and small appliance touch panel interfaces

- Mobile phones and wireless connected device touch panels

- General use button replacements for netbooks and smartbooks

The MPR121 is Freescale's second-generation sensor controller, following the MPR03x series devices. The MPR121 features increased internal intelligence and includes Freescale's second-generation capacitance detection engine. Major additions to the MPR121 include an increased electrode count for touch detection, a hardware-configurable I2C address, an expanded filtering system with debounce and completely independent electrodes with auto-configuration built in.

Samples of the MPR121 touch sensor are available now, with production quantities planned for November 2009. The KITMPR121EVM Touch Sensor Kit, part of the Freescale Sensor Toolbox, provides sample electrodes with demo software.

The TSS Suite is available to download now, free of charge, to Freescale MCU customers. In addition, a Touch Sensing Software evaluation board (TSSEVB) is available. The board is designed to provide customers with the technology necessary to begin creating touch sensing applications right away with Freescale MCUs.

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