The QT100 charge-transfer (‘QT’) touch sensor is a self-contained digital IC capable of detecting near-proximity or touch. It will
project a touch or proximity field through any dielectric like glass, plastic, stone, ceramic, and even most kinds of wood. It can
also turn small metal-bearing objects into intrinsic sensors, making them responsive to proximity or touch. This
capability, coupled with its ability to self-calibrate, can lead to entirely new product concepts.
It is designed specifically for human interfaces, like control panels, appliances, toys, lighting controls, or anywhere a
mechanical switch or button may be found.
Power consumption is less than 500μA in most applications when running in Fast response mode. This typically drops to
5-10μA at 2V VDD in Low Power mode, depending on the burst length. In most cases the power supply need only be minimally
regulated; for example, by Zener diodes or an inexpensive three-terminal regulator. The QT100 only requires a common
inexpensive X7R ceramic capacitor in order to function.
The QT100’s Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) core employs signal processing techniques pioneer ed by Quantum;
these are specifically designed to make the device survive real-world challenges, such as ‘stuck sensor’ conditions and signal
drift.
The Quantum-pioneered HeartBeat? signal is also included, allowing a microcontroller to monitor the health of the QT100
continuously, if desired. By using the charge transfer principle, the IC delivers a level of performance clearly superior to older
technologies in a highly cost-effective package |
