Date: 21/11/2011

Capacitive touch controller with proximity sense range of 25cm

Atmel Corporation has said it has achieved the touch controller market's longest proximity sensing range of over 10 inches (25cm) with the Qtouch AT42QT2120. Atmel QT2120 is suggested for applications in automotive, computing, consumer, industrial, medical and white and brown goods requiring proximity capability.

"With the consumer, industrial and automotive markets growing at a 5-year CAGR of 5% from 2010, manufacturers are looking for features that differentiate their products from their competition," said Randy Lawson, principal analyst and manager of Consumer Electronics and Display Electronics research with IHS. "Proximity sensing can provide a key differentiating feature in these markets. With the Atmel launch of the QT2120, the company has enhanced its position in the capacitive touch controller market for buttons, sliders, wheels-and now, the proximity sensing market."

"Manufacturers are looking for ways to differentiate their products and user interfaces with more competitive features," said Geir Kjosavik, Director of AVR Segment Marketing, Atmel Corporation. "With the Atmel QT2120 and the industry's longest proximity range, manufacturers for automotive, consumer and white/brown goods can redefine how capacitive touch interfaces appear to the end user."

Pricing and Availability
The Atmel QT2120 is available now. Pricing starts at $1.12 for 1,000-piece quantities.