AT42QT1012
AT42QT1012 Data Sheet
Introduction
The AT42QT1012 (QT1012) is a single key device featuring a touch on/touch off (toggle) output with a
programmable auto switch-off capability. The device is One-channel Toggle-mode QTouch® Touch
Sensor IC with Power Management Functions.
The QT1012 features a digital burst mode charge-transfer sensor designed specifically for touch controls
and a unique “green” feature - the timeout function, which can turn off power after a time delay.
Features
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•
•
•
•
•
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•
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Number of Keys:
– One, toggle mode (touch-on / touch-off), plus programmable auto-off delay and external
cancel
– Configurable as either a single key or a proximity sensor
Technology:
– Patented spread-s
6 mm x 6 mm or larger (panel thickness dependent); widely different sizes and shapes
possible
Electrode design:
– Solid or ring electrode shapes
PCB Layers required:
– One
Electrode materials:
– Etched copper, silver, carbon, Indium Tin Oxide (ITO)
Electrode substrates:
– PCB, FPCB, plastic films, glass
Panel materials:
– Plastic, glass, composites, painted surfaces (low particle density metallic paints possible)
Panel thickness:
– Up to 12 mm glass, 6 mm plastic (electrode size and Cs dependent)
Key sensitivity:
Settable via external capacitor (Cs)
Interface:
– Digital output, active high or active low (hardware configurable)
Moisture tolerance:
– Increased moisture tolerance based on hardware design and firmware tuning
Power:
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 1
AT42QT1012
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– 1.8 V – 5.5 V; 32 µA at 1.8 V
Package:
– 6-pin SOT23-6 (3 x 3 mm) RoHS compliant
– 8-pin UDFN/USON (2 x 2 mm) RoHS compliant
Signal processing:
– Self-calibration, auto drift compensation, noise filtering
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 2
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................1
Features.......................................................................................................................... 1
1. Pinout and Schematic................................................................................................5
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
Pinout Configurations................................................................................................................... 5
Pin Descriptions........................................................................................................................... 5
Schematics...................................................................................................................................6
2. Overview of the AT42QT1012................................................................................... 7
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
Introduction...................................................................................................................................7
Basic Operation............................................................................................................................7
Electrode Drive.............................................................................................................................7
Sensitivity..................................................................................................................................... 8
Moisture Tolerance....................................................................................................................... 8
3. Operation Specifics................................................................................................. 10
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3.5.
3.6.
3.7.
3.8.
3.9.
3.10.
3.11.
3.12.
Acquisition Modes...................................................................................................................... 10
Detect Threshold........................................................................................................................ 10
Detect Integrator.........................................................................................................................11
Recalibration Timeout.................................................................................................................11
Forced Sensor Recalibration...................................................................................................... 11
Drift Compensation.....................................................................................................................11
Response Time.......................................................................................................................... 12
Spread Spectrum....................................................................................................................... 12
Output Polarity Selection............................................................................................................12
Output Drive............................................................................................................................... 13
Auto-Off Delay............................................................................................................................13
Examples of Typical Applications............................................................................................... 21
4. Circuit Guidelines.................................................................................................... 22
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
More Information........................................................................................................................ 22
Sample Capacitor.......................................................................................................................22
Rs Resistor.................................................................................................................................22
Power Supply and PCB Layout.................................................................................................. 22
4.5.
Power On................................................................................................................................... 23
5. Specifications.......................................................................................................... 24
5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
5.5.
5.6.
5.7.
Absolute Maximum Specifications..............................................................................................24
Recommended Operating Conditions........................................................................................ 24
AC Specifications....................................................................................................................... 24
Signal Processing.......................................................................................................................25
DC Specifications....................................................................................................................... 25
Mechanical Dimensions............................................................................................................. 26
Part Marking............................................................................................................................... 28
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 3
AT42QT1012
5.8.
5.9.
Part Number............................................................................................................................... 28
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)................................................................................................ 29
6. Associated Documents............................................................................................30
7. Revision History.......................................................................................................31
The Microchip Web Site................................................................................................ 32
Customer Change Notification Service..........................................................................32
Customer Support......................................................................................................... 32
Microchip Devices Code Protection Feature................................................................. 32
Legal Notice...................................................................................................................33
Trademarks................................................................................................................... 33
Quality Management System Certified by DNV.............................................................34
Worldwide Sales and Service........................................................................................35
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 4
1.
Pinout and Schematic
1.1
Pinout Configurations
1.1.1
6-pin SOT23-6
1.1.2
OUT
1
VSS
2
SNSK
3
QT1012
AT42QT1012
6
TIME
5
VDD
4
SNS
8-pin UDFN/USON
Pin 1 ID
1.2
8
SNS
7
VDD
3
6
TIME
4
5
OUT
SNSK
1
N/C
2
N/C
VSS
QT1012
Pin Descriptions
Table 1-1. Pin Listing
6-Pin 8-Pin Name Type Description
If Unused, Connect
To...
1
5
OUT
O(1)
Output state. To switched circuit and output polarity selection
resistor (Rop)
2
4
VSS
P
Ground
3
1
SNSK I/O
Sense pin. To Cs capacitor and to sense electrode
Cs + key
4
8
SNS
I/O
Sense pin. To Cs capacitor and multiplier configuration resistor
(Rm). Rm must be fitted and connected to either VSS or VDD.
See Section 3.11.4 for details.
Cs
5
7
VDD
P
Power
6
6
TIME I
Timeout configuration pin. Must be connected to either VSS,
VDD, OUT or an RC network. See Section 3.11 for details.
—
2
N/C
—
Not connected
Do not connect
—
3
N/C
—
Not connected
Do not connect
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 5
AT42QT1012
(1)
I/O briefly on power-up
I Input only O Output only, push-pull
I/O Input/output P Ground or power
1.3
Schematics
1.3.1
6-pin SOT23-6
Figure 1-1. Basic Circuit Configuration
(active high output, toggle on/off, no auto switch off)
Note: bypass capacitor to be tightly
wired between VDD and VSS and
kept close to pin 5.
VDD
SENSE
ELECTRODE
Cby
Rs
5
3
VDD
SNSK
OUT 1
Cs
4
SNS
Rop
Rm
TIME 6
VSS
2
1.3.2
8-pin UDFN/USON
Figure 1-2. Basic Circuit Configuration
(active high output, toggle on/off, no auto switch off)
SENSE
ELECTRODE
Note: bypass capacitor to be tightly
wired between VDD and VSS and
kept close to pin 7.
VDD
Cby
Rs
7
1
VDD
SNSK
OUT 5
Cs
8
SNS
Rop
2
Rm
3
N/C
N/C
TIME 6
VSS
4
For component values in Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2, check the following sections:
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Cs capacitor (Cs) – see Section 4.2 on page 20
Sample resistor (Rs) – see Section 4.3 on page 20
Voltage levels – see Section 4.4 on page 20
Output polarity selection resistor (Rop) – see Section 3.9 on page 10
Rm resistor – see Section 3.11.2 on page 11
Bypass capacitor (Cby) – see page 20
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 6
AT42QT1012
2.
Overview of the AT42QT1012
2.1
Introduction
The AT42QT1012 (QT1012) is a single key device featuring a touch on/touch off (toggle) output with a
programmable auto switch-off capability.
The QT1012 is a digital burst mode charge-transfer sensor designed specifically for touch controls. It
includes all hardware and signal processing functions necessary to provide stable sensing under a wide
variety of changing conditions; only low cost, noncritical components are required for operation. With its
tiny low-cost packages, this device can suit almost any product needing a power switch or other togglemode controlled function, especially power control of small appliances and battery-operated products.
A unique “green” feature of the QT1012 is the timeout function, which can turn off power after a time
delay.
®
Like all QTouch devices, the QT1012 features automatic self-calibration, drift compensation, and spreadspectrum burst modulation in order to provide for the most reliable touch sensing possible.
2.2
Basic Operation
Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2 show basic circuits for the 6-pin and 8-pin devices.
The QT1012 employs bursts of charge-transfer cycles to acquire its signal. Burst mode permits power
consumption in the microamp range, dramatically reduces RF emissions, lowers susceptibility to EMI, and
yet permits excellent response time. Internally the signals are digitally processed to reject impulse noise,
using a “consensus” filter which requires four consecutive confirmations of a detection before the output
is activated.
The QT switches and charge measurement hardware functions are all internal to the QT1012.
2.3
Electrode Drive
Figure 2-1 shows the sense electrode connections (SNS, SNSK) for the QT1012.
For optimum noise immunity, the electrode should only be connected to the SNSK pin.
In all cases the sample capacitor Cs should be much larger than the load capacitance (Cx). Typical
values for Cx are 5 – 20 pF while Cs is usually 2.2 – 50 nF.
Note: Cx is not a physical discrete component on the PCB, it is the capacitance of the touch electrode
and wiring. It is show in Figure 2-1 to aid understanding of the equivalent circuit.
Increasing amounts of Cx decrease gain, therefore it is important to limit the amount of load capacitance
on both SNS terminals. This can be done, for example, by minimizing trace lengths and widths and
keeping these traces away from power or ground traces or copper pours.
The traces, and any components associated with SNS and SNSK, will become touch sensitive and
should be treated with caution to limit the touch area to the desired location.
To endure that the correct output mode is selected at power-up, the OUT trace should also be carefully
routed.
A series resistor, Rs, should be placed in line with SNSK to the electrode to suppress electrostatic
discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) effects.
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 7
AT42QT1012
Figure 2-1. Sense Connections
VDD
SENSE
ELECTRODE
Cby
5
Rs
3
VDD
SNSK
OUT 1
Cs
4
SNS
Cx
TIME 6
VSS
2
2.4
Sensitivity
2.4.1
Introduction
The sensitivity on the QT1012 is a function of things like the value of Cs, electrode size and capacitance,
electrode shape and orientation, the composition and aspect of the object to be sensed, the thickness
and composition of any overlaying panel material, and the degree of ground coupling of both sensor and
object.
2.4.2
Increasing Sensitivity
In some cases it may be desirable to increase sensitivity; for example, when using the sensor with very
thick panels having a low dielectric constant, or when the device is used as a proximity sensor. Sensitivity
can often be increased by using a larger electrode or reducing panel thickness. Increasing electrode size
can have diminishing returns, as high values of Cx will reduce sensor gain.
The value of Cs also has a dramatic effect on sensitivity, and this can be increased in value with the
trade-off of a slower response time and more power. Increasing the electrode's surface area will not
substantially increase touch sensitivity if its diameter is already much larger in surface area than the
object being detected. Panel material can also be changed to one having a higher dielectric constant,
which will better help to propagate the field.
Ground planes around and under the electrode and its SNSK trace will cause high Cx loading and
decrease gain. The possible signal-to-noise ratio benefits of ground area are more than negated by the
decreased gain from the circuit, and so ground areas around electrodes are discouraged. Metal areas
near the electrode will reduce the field strength and increase Cx loading and should be avoided, if
possible. Keep ground away from the electrodes and traces.
2.4.3
Decreasing Sensitivity
In some cases the QT1012 may be too sensitive. In this case gain can easily be lowered further by
decreasing Cs.
2.5
Moisture Tolerance
The presence of water (condensation, sweat, spilt water, and so on) on a sensor can alter the signal
values measured and thereby affect the performance of any capacitive device. The moisture tolerance of
QTouch devices can be improved by designing the hardware and fine-tuning the firmware following the
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 8
AT42QT1012
recommendations in the application note Atmel AVR3002: Moisture Tolerant QTouch Design
(downloadable from www.microchip.com).
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 9
AT42QT1012
3.
Operation Specifics
3.1
Acquisition Modes
3.1.1
Introduction
The OUT pin of the QT1012 can be configured to be active high or active low.
•
•
3.1.2
If active high then:
– “on” is high
– “off” is low
If active low then:
– “on” is low
– “off” is high
OUT Pin
The QT1012 runs in Low Power (LP) mode. In this mode it sleeps for approximately 80 ms at the end of
each burst, saving power but slowing response. On detecting a possible key touch, it temporarily
switches to fast mode until either the key touch is confirmed or found to be spurious (via the detect
integration process).
•
•
If the touch is confirmed, the OUT pin is toggled and the QT1012 returns to LP mode (see figure
"Low Power Mode: Touch Confirmed" below).
If the touch is not valid then the chip returns to LP mode but the OUT pin remains unchanged (see
figure "Low Power Mode: Touch Denied" below).
~80 ms
SNSK
sleep
Key
touch
Figure 3-1. Low Power Mode: Touch Confirmed (Output in Off Condition)
fast detect
integrator
sleep
OUT
SNSK
~80 ms
Key
touch
Figure 3-2. Low Power Mode: Touch Denied (Output in Off Condition)
Sleep
Sleep
Fast detect
integrator
Sleep
Sleep
OUT
3.2
Detect Threshold
The device detects a touch when the signal has crossed a threshold level. The threshold level is fixed at
10 counts.
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 10
AT42QT1012
3.3
Detect Integrator
It is desirable to suppress detections generated by electrical noise or from quick brushes with an object.
To accomplish this, the QT1012 incorporates a detect integration (DI) counter that increments with each
detection until a limit is reached, after which the output is activated. If no detection is sensed prior to the
final count, the counter is reset immediately to zero. In the QT1012, the required count is four.
The DI can also be viewed as a “consensus filter” that requires four successive detections to create an
output.
3.4
Recalibration Timeout
If an object or material obstructs the sense electrode the signal may rise enough to create a detection,
preventing further operation. To stop this, the sensor includes a timer which monitors detections. If a
detection exceeds the timer setting, the sensor performs a full recalibration. This does not toggle the
output state but ensures that the QT1012 will detect a new touch correctly. The timer is set to activate this
feature after ~60 s. This will vary slightly with Cs.
3.5
Forced Sensor Recalibration
The QT1012 has no recalibration pin; a forced recalibration is accomplished when the device is powered
up or after the recalibration timeout. However, supply drain is low so it is a simple matter to treat the
entire IC as a controllable load; driving the QT1012 VDD pin directly from another logic gate or a
microcontroller port will serve as both power and “forced recalibration”. The source resistance of most
CMOS gates and microcontrollers is low enough to provide direct power without a problem.
3.6
Drift Compensation
Signal drift can occur because of changes in Cx and Cs over time. It is crucial that drift be compensated
for, otherwise false detections, nondetections, and sensitivity shifts will follow.
Drift compensation (Figure 3-3) is performed by making the reference level track the raw signal at a slow
rate, but only while there is no detection in effect. The rate of adjustment must be performed slowly,
otherwise legitimate detections could be ignored. The QT1012 drift compensates using a slew-rate limited
change to the reference level; the threshold and hysteresis values are slaved to this reference.
Once an object is sensed, the drift compensation mechanism ceases since the signal is legitimately high,
and therefore should not cause the reference level to change.
Figure 3-3. Drift Compensation
Signal
Hysteresis
Threshold
Reference
Output
The QT1012 drift compensation is asymmetric; the reference level drift-compensates in one direction
faster than it does in the other. Specifically, it compensates faster for decreasing signals than for
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 11
AT42QT1012
increasing signals. Increasing signals should not be compensated for quickly, since an approaching finger
could be compensated for partially or entirely before even approaching the sense electrode. However, an
obstruction over the sense pad, for which the sensor has already made full allowance, could suddenly be
removed leaving the sensor with an artificially elevated reference level and thus become insensitive to
touch. In this latter case, the sensor will compensate for the object's removal very quickly.
With large values of Cs and small values of Cx, drift compensation will appear to operate more slowly
than with the converse. Note that the positive and negative drift compensation rates are different.
3.7
Response Time
The QT1012 response time is highly dependent on the run mode and burst length, which in turn is
dependent on Cs and Cx. With increasing Cs, response time slows, while increasing levels of Cx reduce
response time.
3.8
Spread Spectrum
The QT1012 modulates its internal oscillator by ±7.5% during the measurement burst. This spreads the
generated noise over a wider band, reducing emission levels. This also reduces susceptibility since there
is no longer a single fundamental burst frequency.
3.9
Output Polarity Selection
The output (OUT pin) of the QT1012 can be configured to have an active high or active low output by
means of the output configuration resistor Rop. The resistor is connected between the output and either
Vss or Vdd (see Figure 3-4 and Table 3-1). A typical value for Rop is 100 kΩ.
Figure 3-4. Output Polarity (6-pin SOT23)
SENSE
ELECTRODE
VDD
Cby
100 nF
5
Rs
VDD
Rop
3 SNSK
Vop
Cs
4 SNS
OUT
Rm
1
TIME 6
VSS
2
© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc.
Datasheet
DS40001948A-page 12
AT42QT1012
Table 3-1. Output Configuration
Name (Vop)
Function (Output Polarity)
Vss
Active high
Vdd
Active low
Note: Some devices, such as Digital Transistors, have an internal biasing network that will naturally pull
the OUT pin to its inactive state. If these are being used then the resistor Rop is not required (see Figure
3-5).
Figure 3-5. Output Connected to Digital Transistor (6-pin SOT23)
SENSE
ELECTRODE
VDD
Cby
100 nF
5
Rs
VDD
Load
3 SNSK
Cs
4 SNS
OUT
1
TIME 6
Rm
VSS
2
3.10
Output Drive
The OUT pin can sink or source up to 2 mA. When a large value of Cs (>20 nF) is used the OUT current
should be limited to