Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM AK4188EN
- Part No.:
- AK4188EN
- Manufacturer:
- Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM
- Category:
- Touch Screen Controllers
- Package:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AK4188EN.pdf
- Description:
- INTEGRATED CIRCUIT
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
AK4188EN from Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) is a 12-bit SAR A/D-based 4-wire resistive touch screen controller with integrated dual-touch gesture detection, pen pressure measurement, and SPI interface. It supports center location and inter-point distance parameter extraction for two simultaneous touches, operates from 2.7V to 3.6V analog supply and 1.6V to 3.6V digital I/O, and delivers 276μA typical current at 450Hz sampling - ideal for mobile phones, smart phones, DSCs, and portable handheld devices.
For engineers reviewing the AK4188EN datasheet, AK4188EN pinout, AK4188EN application, or AK4188EN equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed dual-touch calculation parameters, real-world power consumption data across operating modes, and manufacturer-confirmed package and thermal specifications - all directly traceable to AKM MS1396-E-00 Rev. 00.
Technical Context
The AK4188EN implements a capacitive redistribution-based 12-bit SAR ADC with internal sample/hold circuitry, using an integrated oscillator (2.5–5.1 MHz) for conversion timing. Its 6-wire interface (XP/XN/YP/YN/RXP/RYP) enables differential dual-touch coordinate acquisition and Z-axis pressure derivation via XZ1/Z1/Z2 measurements.
Dual-touch processing is executed in dedicated sequence mode (SEQM3–0 = 1010), outputting 12-bit center coordinates (Xp21/Yp21) and 12-bit inter-distance parameters (XDual/YDual) into mapped registers (0x11–0x18). Pen interrupt (PENIRQN) serves as both touch-detect signal and busy indicator during internal calculations, with configurable sleep modes (SLEEP1–0) disabling drivers and setting PENIRQN to high or Hi-Z.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit SAR with no missing codes guaranteed - ensures full 4096-step position quantization without dead zones. |
| Touch Interface | 4-wire resistive + 2 auxiliary drive lines (RXP/RYP) - enables true dual-touch detection on standard 4-wire panels via 6-pin connection. |
| Supply Range | VDD = 2.7–3.6 V; TVDD = 1.6–3.6 V - supports low-voltage microcontrollers and battery-powered operation down to 1.6V I/O. |
| Power Consumption | 276 μA typ. @ 450 Hz (1-touch); 500 μA max @ 2-touch mode - enables extended battery life in portable UI subsystems. |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for consumer and industrial portable equipment environments. |
| SPI Compatibility | Mode 0 and Mode 3 support; 5 MHz max SCLK - interoperable with common MCU SPI peripherals without level-shifting. |
| INL / DNL | ±2 LSB INL, +3/−2 LSB DNL - maintains linear coordinate mapping across full touch surface without calibration drift. |
Pinout & Package
AK4188EN is housed in a 16-pin QFN package measuring 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm with 0.5 mm pitch and exposed thermal pad (pin 13 = YN, top-view numbering per MS1396-E-00 p.3).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SDI | Serial Data Input | Accepts 8-bit SPI command headers and write data; must not float - requires external pull-down or MCU drive. |
| SDO | Serial Data Output | Drives 12-bit measurement results and register reads; enters Hi-Z during write operations per SPI protocol. |
| CSN | Active-Low Chip Select | Initiates SPI transaction on falling edge; CSN high disables SDO and ignores SDI - critical for multi-device bus isolation. |
| SCLK | Serial Clock Input | Controls data sampling timing; supports up to 5 MHz - sets maximum throughput for coordinate updates. |
| PENIRQN | Pen Interrupt / Busy Output | Active-low CMOS output: "L" on touch detect, "H"/Hi-Z in sleep, "L" during internal calculation - enables interrupt-driven firmware flow. |
| XP, XN, YP, YN | Touch Panel Drive/Sense Terminals | Direct connection points for 4-wire panel; XP/YP are drivers, XN/YN are sense inputs - define primary axis measurement paths. |
| RXP, RYP | Auxiliary Dual-Touch Drivers | Enable second X/Y drive path through external resistors (R2/R1) - required for dual-touch center and distance parameter extraction. |
| VDD, TVDD, VSS | Power & Ground Rails | VDD powers analog core and reference; TVDD powers digital I/O - independent rails allow mixed-voltage system integration. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual-touch coordinate engine | Outputs 12-bit Xp21/Yp21 center location and XDual/YDual inter-distance parameters - eliminates host-side computation of dual-finger geometry. |
| Integrated median averaging filter | Configurable 4–14-sample filtering (FLT2–0 bits) with min/max rejection - suppresses noise without phase lag or oversampling overhead. |
| Auto power-down mode | Full shutdown draws ≤5 μA (no-touch, CSN high, SDI/SCLK low) - extends standby time in always-on portable interfaces. |
| Pen pressure measurement | Derives contact resistance (Rtouch) from Z1/Z2/X-position conversions - enables pressure-sensitive UI actions without external components. |
| General-purpose analog input (IN) | Single-ended 12-bit ADC channel referenced to VDD/VSS - supports auxiliary voltage monitoring (e.g., battery, temperature sensor). |
Applications
| Smartphone Touch Interface | Portable Media Player UI |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Multi-finger gestures (pinch-to-zoom, rotate) on 3.5–5 inch LCD displays in battery-constrained smartphones. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary touch controller acquiring dual-touch coordinates and pressure at ≥100 Hz update rate via SPI. Use Value: Enables native dual-touch UX with <10 ms latency and <276 μA average current - preserves battery life while supporting Android/iOS gesture stacks. |
Use Scenario: Resistive touch navigation on 2.8–4.3 inch displays in DSC/DVC devices with limited PCB area and thermal budget. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-chip solution handling X/Y position, Z-pressure, and auxiliary analog sensing (e.g., battery voltage) in one 3×3 mm footprint. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by eliminating external ADC, GPIO expanders, and discrete touch logic - simplifies layout and qualification. |
| Industrial Handheld Terminal | Medical Patient Monitor Touchscreen |
|
Use Scenario: Glove-compatible touch input in ruggedized field terminals operating across −40°C to +85°C ambient range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust touch acquisition engine with programmable filter depth and wide VDD/TVDD tolerance - immune to ESD and voltage droop. Use Value: Maintains coordinate accuracy under mechanical stress and temperature cycling - avoids recalibration in deployed units. |
Use Scenario: Critical UI interaction on sealed, sterilizable touchscreens in bedside monitors requiring low-power, high-reliability operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safety-assured touch controller with deterministic interrupt response (PENIRQN) and fail-safe sleep mode behavior. Use Value: Guarantees responsive touch detection with ≤5 μA deep-sleep current - meets IEC 60601-1 power efficiency and thermal limits. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar touch screen controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TI TSC2046IPWR | 12-bit SAR ADC, single-touch only, no RXP/RYP pins, no dual-touch engine - requires host CPU to compute gestures. | Lacks native dual-touch coordinate output; supports only basic X/Y/Z1/Z2 - unsuitable for pinch/rotate UIs. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs dual-touch requirement and host has spare processing bandwidth. |
| ADI AD7879-1WARMZ-RL7 | 12-bit SAR ADC, integrated charge pump for VDRV, supports dual-touch via software algorithm - no hardware dual-touch registers. | Delivers dual-touch via firmware; higher host CPU load and longer latency vs. AK4188EN's hardware-accelerated outputs. | Choose when needing integrated VDRV and willingness to implement gesture math in application code. |
Compared with TI TSC2046IPWR and ADI AD7879-1WARMZ-RL7, the AK4188EN uniquely integrates dedicated dual-touch hardware that outputs center location and inter-distance parameters directly - reducing host processing load, minimizing latency, and enabling deterministic real-time gesture response without algorithm porting.
Availability
AK4188EN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone touch subsystems, portable media player UIs, industrial handheld terminals, and medical patient monitor touchscreens requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for AK4188EN includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) is a Japanese semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed-signal ICs for audio, sensor, and human-interface applications - with over 30 years of expertise in precision A/D conversion and touch technology.
The AK4188EN belongs to AKM's touch screen controller product line, designed specifically for portable electronics requiring low-power, high-accuracy dual-touch gesture support on standard 4-wire resistive panels - emphasizing integration, minimal external components, and robust operation across temperature extremes.
FAQ
What is the function of the RXP and RYP pins on the AK4188EN?
The RXP and RYP pins on the AK4188EN are auxiliary drive outputs used exclusively for dual-touch detection. They connect to the XP and YP panel contacts via external resistors (R2 and R1), enabling measurement of inter-electrode resistance differences required to compute dual-touch center location and inter-point distance parameters. These pins are inactive in single-touch mode and have no function in basic 4-wire operation.
How does the AK4188EN measure pen pressure?
The AK4188EN measures pen pressure by calculating contact resistance (Rtouch) using three A/D conversions: X-position, Z1, and Z2. It applies the formula Rtouch = (Z2 − Z1) × Rplate-X / 4096, where Rplate-X is the known X-axis sheet resistance. This method derives pressure from the depressed area size, requiring no external components beyond the standard 4-wire touch panel.
What SPI modes does the AK4188EN support, and how are they selected?
The AK4188EN supports SPI Mode 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and Mode 3 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1), selected implicitly by the host MCU's clock polarity and phase configuration - no internal register setting is required. Communication begins on the CSN falling edge, with data sampled on SCLK rising (Mode 0) or falling (Mode 3) edges, per AKM MS1396-E-00 Figure 8 and Figure 9.
Can the AK4188EN operate with different analog and digital supply voltages?
Yes, the AK4188EN supports independent supplies: VDD (2.7–3.6 V) powers the analog core and reference, while TVDD (1.6–3.6 V) powers digital I/O including CSN, SCLK, SDI, SDO, and PENIRQN. This allows interfacing with low-voltage MCUs (e.g., 1.8 V) while maintaining full 12-bit ADC performance - confirmed in MS1396-E-00 Recommended Operating Conditions table.
What is the purpose of the TEST pin on the AK4188EN?
On the AK4188EN, the TEST pin is an input with internal 100 kΩ pull-down and must be connected to VSS (ground) in normal operation. It is reserved for factory test purposes and has no user-accessible function; leaving it unconnected risks undefined behavior due to its weak internal pull-down only - AKM explicitly mandates VSS connection per MS1396-E-00 Pin Function table.
AK4188EN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM
- Package/Case:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Touchscreen:
- 4 Wire Resistive
- Resolution (Bits):
- 12 b
- Interface:
- SPI
- Voltage Reference:
- External, Internal
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Supply:
- 500 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QFNJ (3x3)
AK4188EN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AK4188EN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AK4188EN on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AK4188EN reliable?
The price and inventory of AK4188EN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AK4188EN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AK4188EN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AK4188EN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AK4188EN?
AK4188EN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AK4188EN order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AK4188EN?
For technical support, including AK4188EN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AK4188EN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AK4188EN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AK4188EN products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AK4188EN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AK4188EN?
All AK4188EN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AK4188EN, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AK4188EN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AK4188EN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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