Product category:
Analogue and Mixed Signal ICs
News Release from: Quantum Research Group | Subject: QT510 QWheel IC
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 24 March 2005
IC sensor provides novel rotary control
The QT510 QWheel IC is a novel chip that Quantum Research Group believes will cut the cost of rotary touch sensing by 60% in consumer electronic products.
The QT510 QWheel IC is a novel chip that Quantum Research Group believes will cut the cost of rotary touch sensing by 60% in consumer electronic products In high volume, existing rotary capacitive solutions cost around US $5, but implementing a touch wheel based on QWheel technology will cut the cost to under US $3
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 13 Jun 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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In many cases the technology is less expensive than mechanical equivalents, and in all cases is more reliable with high consumer demand.
QWheel touch technology can be thought of as a "capacitive potentiometer", where the wiper is a human finger.
The electrode consists of a simple resistive ring element which can be placed behind any dielectric panel.
Further reading
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Quantum Research Group has developed a novel eight-key touch sensor IC that consumes just 40uA at 3V in low power mode.
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Novel charge-transfer digital sensor chips facilitate the manufacture of man-machine interfaces at a cost comparable to using electromechanical switches.
Three capacitive QT channels are connected to this ring and the signals processed to 7bit of absolute position.
Output is via a standard SPI serial interface.
No external active components are needed and the 14-pin device operates from a single 2.5 to 5V supply.
The device is in a lead-free SOIC or TSSOP package.
The QWheel can sense through panels up to 3mm thick, and even through gloves.
When placed behind glass or plastic, the circuit creates a smooth, sealed, indestructible rotary touch control that can replace virtually any mechanical encoder or potentiometer.
It does not require a hole or knob and therefore has no service or maintenance problems.
The QT510 uses spread-spectrum modulation for high noise resistance and low RF emissions.
It features drift compensation to account for slow changes due to aging or changing environmental conditions.
The part will also operate in a low power mode, consuming as little as 10uA in sleep mode.
A unique proximity mode allows the device to detect hand movement up to 50mm away from the panel surface; this can be made to activate a display or product from standby, before the user even touches the product.
QWheel is a reliable, cost-saving alternative to existing capacitive sensing technologies and can also be used wherever a mechanical control would otherwise be employed.
Applications include menu selection, volume, lighting, position, temperature, and speed controls.
Market sectors include consumer electronics and appliances, audio, HVAC controls, communications, toys and games, industrial controls, aerospace, military and automotive controls.
The QT510 QWheel chip can be assessed using Quantum's E510 evaluation board.
The E510 includes an interface convertor to connect it to a PC, plus PC display software.
The E510 PCB comes fully assembled and tested ready for adhering to the supplied plastic demo panel or to the inside of the user's end product.
It costs US $95 through distributors.
The QT510 QWheel chip is available now priced at US $2.5 each for 100,000-unit quantities.
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