Microchip’s MTCH2120 Simplifies the Path to Touch-Enabled Devices

Sleek touch-enabled interfaces are everywhere—from kitchen appliances to industrial equipment—but they raise challenges for designers who need to upgrade traditional mechanical buttons to modern touch controls. Microchip Technology has stepped up to address this need with its new MTCH2120 touch controller, a turnkey solution designed to make the transition as seamless as possible.

The MTCH2120 is more than just a chip; it’s an entry point into a comprehensive ecosystem of tools, designed to eliminate the guesswork in implementing touch buttons or displays. Its combination of robust features and user-friendly tools provides developers with a clear pathway to create reliable, touch-enabled products that can withstand real-world challenges like noise and moisture.

The Power of Simplicity

At the heart of the MTCH2120 is its ability to deliver a highly responsive and adaptable touch experience. This low-power device supports up to 12 touch buttons and boasts water-tolerant capabilities, ensuring reliability even in less-than-ideal conditions. What sets it apart is its grouped button feature, which reduces scan activity, lowers power consumption, and still keeps all buttons operational.

But the real magic lies in the tools surrounding the MTCH2120. Developers often spend significant time tuning touch sensitivity and filtering for noise. The MTCH2120’s Easy Tune feature automates this process, dynamically adjusting sensitivity and filter levels based on real-time conditions. This means designers can skip the trial-and-error phase of tuning and focus on refining their product.

Designed for Developers

Microchip’s ecosystem for the MTCH2120 takes the complexity out of integrating touch functionality. It’s like handing developers a ready-made toolkit that includes:

• MPLAB® Harmony Host Code Configurator: Simplifies integration by handling I2C protocol implementation, enabling easy connections to Microchip MCUs and MPUs.
• MPLAB Data Visualizer: Offers real-time insights into touch performance, helping designers validate their setup.
• Touch Library Compatibility: Minimizes software development efforts by providing prebuilt solutions that reduce design cycles.

Additionally, an evaluation board for the MTCH2120 comes with a SAM C21 host MCU, enabling out-of-the-box prototyping. This plug-and-play setup allows developers to get started immediately, making the design process faster and more efficient.

A Modular Future

The MTCH2120 isn’t just a standalone product—it’s the first in a growing family of I2C-based touch controllers under Microchip’s MTCH series. While this device supports sophisticated I2C communication, its siblings in the family—such as the recently launched MTCH1010, MTCH1030, and MTCH1060—offer GPIO-based interfaces for simpler designs. The series will continue to expand, bringing the same ease of use and ecosystem support to a broader range of applications.

This modular approach means that developers can choose the right controller for their project’s needs while leveraging a shared ecosystem that simplifies the development process across the board.

Enabling a Touch-First Future

For industries ranging from consumer electronics to industrial automation, the MTCH2120 offers a straightforward solution to a common challenge: how to integrate touch functionality without extensive resources or expertise. Its robust performance, combined with a comprehensive suite of tools, ensures developers can bring their touch-enabled designs to market faster and with greater confidence.

As touch technology becomes an essential feature in modern devices, the MTCH2120 and its ecosystem position Microchip as a leader in simplifying the journey from concept to product.

For more information on the MTCH2120 and the full range of Microchip’s turnkey touch solutions, visit www.microchipdirect.com.