Microchip Launches New Capacitive-Touch Controllers
The new hardware streamlines interface design with parallel sensing and industrial-grade functional safety compliance.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Semiconductors
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Microchip Technology has released the MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P capacitive-touch controllers for display-free human-machine interfaces. These components are available now and designed to support industrial functional safety standards.
Why it matters
By providing integrated sensing for buttons, sliders, and wheels, these controllers enable manufacturers to consolidate hardware and reduce system costs. The design simplifies the development of complex touch interfaces while maintaining safety compliance.
The controllers feature 12 on-chip analog-to-digital converters that acquire sensor data in parallel. The MTCH3380P offers higher capacity, supporting 38 self-capacitance and 64 mutual-capacitance sensors, with pricing starting at $1.06 per unit at 10,000-unit volumes.
The players
Microchip Technology
A semiconductor company that produces microcontrollers, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions for embedded control systems.
The details
The devices function by utilizing on-chip converters to process input from touch surfaces simultaneously rather than sequentially. This approach minimizes latency for buttons, sliders, and wheels in human-machine interfaces. The chips meet IEC/UL 60730 Class B functional safety standards, which certify that the hardware is reliable for use in appliances and automotive systems. They are rated for operation in environments reaching 105°C.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Microchip Technology released the MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P controllers.
The Tech Race
These controllers align with the industry-standard IEC/UL 60730 Class B functional safety requirements for embedded systems. They mark a move toward integrating high-density parallel sensing directly into low-cost silicon for industrial applications.
Manufacturers can now procure these components for use in new human-machine interface designs, with bulk pricing starting at $0.80 for the MTCH3240P. Integration is supported through the mTouch Studio development environment and available host drivers for Linux and Zephyr.
The takeaway
These controllers prioritize high-temperature durability and safety compliance for industrial hardware developers. Engineers should evaluate the mTouch Studio evaluation hardware to determine if the 12-bit parallel sensing architecture meets their specific interface latency requirements.
Further reading
For broader trends in component integration, explore the latest developments in Semiconductors.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electronic Specifier.
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