Expanding its aXiom portfolio, TouchNetix introduces the AX24A, a robust touch and force sensing controller designed for industrial, automotive, and entertainment applications. It uniquely supports button features, as well as force sensing behind conductive surfaces.
Opening up new design opportunities, the AX24A provides cutting-edge sensing capabilities within a compact 40-pin QFN package, delivering exceptional flexibility and performance. Its advanced system enables up to 22 touch/force buttons, supporting designers in creating intuitive and robust touch solutions.
Key Features and Benefits
- Dual sensing: Supports combined touch and force sensing for enhanced interaction.
- Integrated Feedback Options: Enables haptic and LED feedback for richer user experiences.
- Pilot ID Support: Brings user differentiation and safety features to interfaces.
- Versatile Configurations: Combine features for innovative designs, such as:
o Touch buttons requiring force activation.
o Force-only buttons behind metal panels.
- Advanced control logic: Configure individual buttons or link them logically for functions like guard channels or one-hot groups.
- Flexible feedback triggers: Activate haptic or LED responses via macro-driven I²C or GPIO sequences.
Why force sensing matters?
Touch buttons are increasingly replacing mechanical buttons in modern interfaces. However, this shift introduces a greater risk of accidental activation, commonly known as false touches. The AX24A device mitigates this risk by leveraging aXiom’s patented force sensing technology to enable combined touch/force experiences that require a specific press to trigger activation.
- Eliminates accidental activations.
- Removes the need for mechanical buttons and reduces wear and tear.
- Extended button lifespan and reliability.
- Provides instant haptic feedback with no delay.
Expanded design possibilities
- Advanced Surfaces: Force-only buttons can be implemented behind conductive materials like metal, enabling sleek, robust designs without compromising functionality.
- Water tolerance: Force-only buttons are unaffected by water or fluids, making them ideal for harsh environments.
- Joystick applications: Joystick designs using force sensing offer a significantly longer lifespan compared to traditional mechanical switches or variable resistors.
- High Precision: Detects micron-level changes in applied force from 20g to 20kg with a linear response profile.
Applications
The AX24A is ideal for environments where reliability, precision, and user experience are critical, including:
- Automotive dashboards and controls
- Industrial machinery interfaces
- Medical equipment panels
- Consumer appliances
- Joystick and gaming controls
