Capacitive Touch Sensor Controller With Integrated Voltage Divider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensor systems require multiple microcontroller-unit pins, external components, and are dependent on oscillator stability, making them complex and difficult to configure.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor system with a touch-sensor controller that uses a reduced number of MCU pins, eliminates the need for external capacitors and resistors, and allows software configurability through a multiplexer, analog-to-digital converter, and capacitor configuration, enabling improved noise reduction and simplified tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional touch sensor systems use multiple external components and pins, then the system can achieve reliable touch sensing, but the device complexity increases and ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple external components (capacitors, resistors, oscillators) into an integrated touch sensor controller. The controller internally generates oscillation signals, divides voltages using on-chip capacitors, and processes touch events without requiring external components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sensing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The touch sensor controller performs multiple functions using a single integrated circuit: it generates oscillation signals, measures capacitance changes, processes touch events, and interfaces with the display controller. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If traditional touch sensor systems use multiple external components, then the system can achieve proper signal generation, but the ease of manufacture and configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor controller is self-configuring and self-testing. It automatically generates oscillation signals, performs self-diagnostic tests to verify proper operation, and requires no external component assembly or manual configuration. This self-service capability dramatically simplifies manufacturing and deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts all necessary signal generation and processing functionality from external components and relocates them into the integrated controller. By taking out the dependencies on external capacitors, resistors, and oscillators, the system becomes easier to manufacture and configure while maintaining signal generation reliability
3Reliability
If traditional touch sensor systems depend on oscillator stability, then the system can maintain timing accuracy, but the adaptability and configuration flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing software-based adjustment of touch sensing characteristics. The controller can modify detection thresholds, response times, and sensitivity levels through software configuration rather than requiring hardware changes or oscillator adjustments, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining timing accuracy through internal clock references
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves efficient touch sensing with fewer components, reduced noise, and flexible software configuration, eliminating the need for hardware tuning and oscillator stability dependencies.
Implementation Method 1
When an object touches or comes within proximity of the surface of the capacitive touch sensor, a change in capacitance may occur within the touch screen at the location of the touch or proximity
Implementation Method 2
A touch sensor system with a touch-sensor controller that uses a reduced number of MCU pins, eliminates the need for external capacitors and resistors, and allows software configurability through a multiplexer, analog-to-digital converter, and capacitor configuration
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a touch-sensor controller is operable to apply a first voltage to a first drive line. The first drive line comprises a first one or more drive electrodes. The touch-sensor controller is further operable to measure a second voltage across a capacitor. The capacitor is coupled to a first sense line. The first sense line comprises a first one or more sense electrodes. The touch-sensor controller is further operable to determine, based on the second voltage across the capacitor, a touch at a first capacitive node formed by an overlapping of a first region of the first drive line and a first region of the first sense line.