STMicroelectronics Cuts Power and Response Time with New Touch Screen Controller IC

Compact four-wire resistive controller relieves host processor with advanced integrated features

May 2008 - The new STMPE811 from STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader in analog semiconductors, is a four-wire resistive touch screen controller featuring autonomous functionality to minimize demands on the host processor. For embedded designers, this frees valuable CPU cycles to ease pressures on performance, power consumption and response times.

Built-in features include an internal 12-bit ADC for high resolution as well as 128 x 32-bit FIFO data buffers for smooth position tracking. There are also features for accurate position identification and a window-masking function to support multiple sense windows. Special low-power design features achieve active current below 1mA, idle current less than 1 microampere, and an ultra-low-power 150nA hibernation mode.

By combining these functions into a compact 3 x 3mm QFN-16 package, the STMPE811 saves footprint and extends battery lifetime in portable applications such as PDAs, mobile phones, GPS receivers, game consoles and POS terminals.

The STMPE811 is the latest member of ST’s S-Touch range of touch-sensor controller solutions optimized for high sensitivity, high integration and low power consumption. The family also includes the STMPE1208S and STMPE821 capacitive touch controllers. Further new product introductions are scheduled for later in 2008.

The STMPE811 is sampling now at $0.95 in quantities of 10,000 pieces, with mass production forecast for Q2 2008.