Summary of 3D TouchPad from Microchip
Microchip announced a 6-inch touchpad that resolves 2D multi-touch and free-space 3D gestures up to 70 mm using its MGC3130 gesture controller. It combines electrical near-field 3D sensing with PIC32-based PCAP 2D touch via MTCH63104 handling 12 Rx and 16 Tx nodes placed on the PCB among the 3D GestIC Rx electrodes, and uses MTCH652 line driver to supply up to 18 V Tx drive.
Parts used in the 3D TouchPad from Microchip:
- 6-inch TouchPad PCB with 3D GestIC Rx electrodes
- MGC3130 single-chip gesture recognition and motion tracking controller
- MTCH63104 PIC32-based PCAP 2D touch controller
- MTCH652 line driver
- 12 Rx sensing nodes
- 16 Tx drive nodes
- Power supply capable of providing up to 18V for Tx drive
Microchip Technology have announced a computer peripheral 6” touchpad which it claims is the first able to resolve 2D multi-touch and free-space 3D gestures. To detect gestures up to a distance of 70 mm from the pad surface Microchip have used their MGC3130 single-chip gesture recognition and motion tracking controller released in 2012.
It works on the principle of electrical near-field sensing. The 2D touch functionality is handled by a PIC32-based PCAP controller type MTCH63104. It handles 12 Rx and 16 Tx nodes, which are located in the centre, on the top layer of the TouchPad PCB between the 3D GestIC Rx electrodes. Microchip’s MTCH652 line driver is used to provide the necessary Tx drive signal up to 18V.
For more detail: 3D TouchPad from Microchip
- What gesture types can the touchpad resolve?
It resolves 2D multi-touch and free-space 3D gestures. - How far from the pad surface can it detect 3D gestures?
It can detect gestures up to a distance of 70 mm from the pad surface. - Which controller handles 3D gesture recognition?
The MGC3130 single-chip gesture recognition and motion tracking controller handles 3D gestures. - What sensing principle does the 3D functionality use?
It uses electrical near-field sensing. - Which part provides the 2D touch functionality?
The MTCH63104 PIC32-based PCAP controller provides 2D touch functionality. - How many Rx and Tx nodes does the 2D controller handle?
It handles 12 Rx and 16 Tx nodes. - Where are the Rx and Tx nodes located?
They are located in the centre on the top layer of the TouchPad PCB between the 3D GestIC Rx electrodes. - Which component supplies the Tx drive signal and what voltage can it provide?
The MTCH652 line driver supplies the Tx drive signal and can provide up to 18 V.
