Latest microcontrollers offer touch-based solutions for diverse applications

Renesas is expanding development support for touch-based home appliance, building, industrial automation, and portable medical applications with its new RX130 group of 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs). The range allows embedded developers to incorporate both user interface (i.e., touch key) and system control capabilities in a single MCU. Developers working with capacitive touch-based applications can leverage Renesas’ state-of-the-art second-generation capacitive touch technology, with self- and mutual-capacitance capability, in an ultra-low power, low-cost 32-bit MCU fabric. The new RX130 Group combines high sensitivity and noise tolerance, making it possible to develop touch keys employing a variety of cover materials, including thick acrylic, glass, wood, fabric, or stone, for use in a broad array of new applications. These include control panels for electric appliances used in locations where they are likely to get wet, home equipment employing recessed switches for a more attractive design, and industrial machinery that must be operated with gloves on for safety reasons, says the company.