Date: 08/04/2012

Non-ITO capacitor touch sensors from Atmel offer enhanced performance

Atmel is sampling to select customers its new XSense flexible film-based touch sensor. New touch sensors based on roll-to-roll metal mesh technology allows OEMs to develop curved and edgeless designs for smartphones, tablets, Ultrabooks. Atmel says these new sensors offer excellent optical clarity, enhanced noise immunity, low sheet resistance and low power consumption.

"Our groundbreaking XSense technology transforms the touch experience for users of new smartphones, tablets and other touch-enabled products," said Atmel President and CEO Steve Laub. "XSense launches a new era of touch design, enabling our customers to redefine touch and to create a new class of products that were previously only imaginable. Combined with Atmel maXTouch controllers, Atmel provides a completely optimized, unparalleled touch experience, extending its product portfolio deeper into the touch eco-system."

"The combined touchscreen sensor and controller IC industry is over $10 billion dollars currently and is still growing rapidly. There is significant demand in the industry for larger, thinner and lighter touch sensors," said Dr. Jennifer Colegrove, vice president of emerging display technologies, NPD DisplaySearch. "ITO-alternative material, such as Atmel's new touch sensor technology XSense, is penetrating into the touch sensor market to offer designers new thin, lightweight, flexible and durable designs."

XSense Availability: XSense touch sensors are sampling now, with production quantities scheduled to be available in the third quarter of 2012.