Microchip Launches Parallel-Sensing Touch Controllers for Industrial HMIs
Microchip introduced the MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P, capacitive-touch controllers that read multiple sensors at the same time. The parts are designed for display-free human-machine interfaces with many buttons, sliders, or wheels while keeping response speed and noise immunity high. They are aimed at appliances, outdoor equipment, and industrial systems, with support for functional safety certification and temperatures up to 105°C.
Microchip’s MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P are capacitive-touch controllers intended for screenless control panels that use numerous button, slider, or wheel inputs. Twelve analog-to-digital converters work concurrently, allowing several sensors to be read at once and helping maintain quick response and robust noise performance as input counts grow.
The MTCH3380P covers up to 38 self-capacitance or 64 mutual-capacitance sensors; the MTCH3240P covers 24 and 32, respectively. Both target appliances, outdoor gear, and industrial systems, can support IEC/UL 60730 Class B functional-safety certification, and run at temperatures reaching 105°C. Microchip also points to mTouch Studio plus Linux and Zephyr host drivers for development.
These controllers may make everyday appliances, outdoor chargers, kiosks, and industrial panels more responsive and durable, especially where gloves, moisture, or thick covers are common. Manufacturers could reduce reliance on displays, potentially lowering costs and changing how users interact with equipment. Maintenance and service workers, consumers, and operators may benefit from more reliable controls, though broader adoption depends on design choices, certification, and real-world conditions.