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Microchip Technology CAP1298-1-SL
- Part No.:
- CAP1298-1-SL
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Sensor, Capacitive Touch
- Package:
- 14-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
CAP1298-1-SL.pdf
- Description:
- 8-CHANNEL CAPACITIVE TOUCH SENSO
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,479
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Product details
Overview
CAP1298-1-SL from Microchip Technology is an 8-channel capacitive touch sensor controller with integrated proximity detection and Signal Guard functionality. It delivers programmable sensitivity per channel, automatic recalibration for parasitic capacitance and environmental drift, and supports Active/Standby/Combo/Deep Sleep power states - enabling low-power UI interfaces in space-constrained consumer and industrial devices.
For engineers reviewing the CAP1298-1-SL datasheet, CAP1298-1-SL pinout, CAP1298-1-SL application, or CAP1298-1-SL equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs (e.g., 5 µA Deep Sleep current, SMBus/I²C address 0x50), validated pin functions, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional trade-offs.
Technical Context
The CAP1298-1-SL implements a dedicated capacitive sensing front-end with independent delta-C measurement per channel, calibrated baseline tracking, and configurable averaging (1–128 samples) and cycle timing (70 ms to 5.6 s). Its Combo state enables concurrent button and proximity operation - e.g., CS1–CS4 as touch buttons (Active settings), CS5/SG as proximity guard (Standby settings).
It uses SMBus v2.0 / I²C Fast Mode (10–400 kHz) with timeout and idle-detection logic, supports Alert# interrupt signaling, and features RF detection filters, digital EMI blocking, and 8 kV HBM ESD protection on all pins. The CS5/SG pin serves dual roles: capacitive input or active signal guard output driving up to 200 pF load.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Touch Channels | 8 independent analog inputs (CS1–CS8), each with individual threshold and sensitivity control |
| Proximity Support | Configurable on any channel; CS5/SG pin can drive shield electrode to isolate proximity antenna from conductive surfaces |
| Deep Sleep Current | 5 µA typical - enables battery-powered systems to maintain communication readiness without active sensing |
| Interface Protocol | SMBus 2.0 / I²C Fast Mode (10–400 kHz); fixed slave address 0x50 (0101000b); supports Block Read/Write |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V host systems; all digital pins 5 V tolerant |
| ESD Rating | 8 kV HBM on all pins - ensures robustness in handheld and desktop UI environments during handling and operation |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +125°C - qualified for industrial and automotive cabin applications requiring extended thermal range |
Pinout & Package
Available in RoHS-compliant 16-pin 3 mm × 3 mm QFN (exposed pad) and 14-pin SOIC packages. CAP1298-1-SL corresponds to the 16-pin QFN variant per Microchip's ordering nomenclature.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (ALERT#) | Open-drain interrupt output | Asserts low when touch/proximity event occurs; requires external pull-up; wakes host controller |
| 2 (SMDATA) | I²C/SMBus bidirectional data line | Open-drain; must be pulled up; supports standard and fast-mode I²C protocols |
| 3 (SMCLK) | I²C/SMBus clock input | Input only; requires external pull-up; clock stretching not supported by CAP1298-1-SL |
| 4 (VDD) | Positive supply rail | Accepts 3.0–5.5 V; powers internal analog/digital blocks and I/O buffers |
| 5, 6 (N/C) | No internal connection | Must be connected to GND per datasheet recommendation to ensure mechanical stability and EMI control |
| 7, 8 (GND) | Ground reference | Dual ground pins reduce impedance; exposed pad (bottom) must be soldered to PCB ground plane |
| 9–14 (CS8–CS3) | Capacitive sensor inputs | Analog inputs for touch pads or proximity electrodes; each supports programmable threshold and recalibration |
| 15 (CS2), 16 (CS1) | Capacitive sensor inputs | Same function as CS3–CS8; CS1 is first in sensing sequence order |
| 12 (CS5/SG) | Multi-function pin | Configurable as touch input (CS5) or active Signal Guard driver (SG) - reduces noise coupling and isolates proximity field |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Multiple Pattern Touch Recognition | Enables detection of simultaneous multi-button presses (e.g., "power + volume down") with dedicated status bit and interrupt |
| Signal Guard Output (SG) | Drives shield electrode at same frequency as proximity channel to cancel capacitive coupling - improves proximity range and noise immunity |
| Press-and-Hold Functionality | Generates repeat events after configurable hold time - directly supports volume/mute controls without host-side timer logic |
| Automatic Baseline Recalibration | Tracks and compensates for slow environmental drift (e.g., humidity, temperature) and parasitic capacitance shifts - maintains stable touch thresholds over time |
| RF Detection & Avoidance Filters | Rejects interference from GSM/Bluetooth/WiFi transmitters - prevents false triggers in wireless-enabled devices |
Applications
| Desktop Keyboard Backlight Control | LCD Monitor Touch Menu |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: User taps capacitive keys beneath translucent bezel to adjust brightness or contrast without physical buttons. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: CAP1298-1-SL acts as standalone touch interface controller - scans 6 keys (CS1–CS6), generates ALERT# on press, and reports via I²C to monitor MCU. Use Value: Eliminates mechanical switches and associated wear/failure; 50 µA Standby current extends system sleep duration between user interactions. |
Use Scenario: Touch-sensitive OSD menu appears on LCD panel when user hovers finger near bezel edge before tapping. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: CAP1298-1-SL operates in Combo state - CS1–CS4 as menu buttons (Active), CS5/SG as proximity guard (Standby) - detects hover then confirms tap. Use Value: Signal Guard reduces false proximity triggers from metal frame; 20 fF minimum detectable delta-C enables reliable sub-millimeter hover detection. |
| Smart Appliance Control Panel | Industrial Human-Machine Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Stainless-steel kitchen appliance panel uses flush-mounted copper pads under glass surface for touch control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: CAP1298-1-SL manages 8 sensor inputs (CS1–CS8), compensates for high parasitic capacitance from glass overlay, and handles press-and-hold for timer activation. Use Value: Automatic recalibration maintains consistent response across −20°C to +70°C ambient; 8 kV HBM ESD rating withstands cleaning and handling in production environments. |
Use Scenario: Ruggedized medical or factory display uses touch interface in high-noise EMI environments (motors, RF sources). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: CAP1298-1-SL applies RF detection filters and digital EMI blocker to suppress noise-induced false touches while maintaining 5 µA Deep Sleep current for energy budgeting. Use Value: Dual-ground pins and exposed thermal pad improve thermal stability and noise rejection; −40°C to +125°C operation supports sealed enclosures with internal heating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar capacitive touch controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT42QT2120-SSUR | 12-channel QTouch IC; no Signal Guard; 3.3 V only; 1.5 µA Deep Sleep | Lacks proximity isolation capability; better suited for pure multi-button panels without hover requirements | Select when higher channel count and ultra-low Deep Sleep are prioritized over proximity robustness |
| MPR121QR2 | 12-channel I²C touch controller; no proximity mode; no integrated Signal Guard; 30 µA Standby (1 ch) | Requires external shielding for noise-prone environments; no native combo-state concurrency | Choose for cost-sensitive designs needing >8 channels but not requiring proximity or guard functionality |
Compared with AT42QT2120-SSUR and MPR121QR2, the CAP1298-1-SL uniquely integrates Signal Guard output and hardware-supported Combo state - enabling simultaneous, independently configured touch and proximity sensing on shared hardware resources without host CPU overhead.
Availability
CAP1298-1-SL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for desktop peripherals, LCD monitor controls, smart appliance interfaces, industrial HMIs, and medical device touch panels requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for CAP1298-1-SL 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
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and interface ICs, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The CAP1298 product line was designed specifically for robust, low-power capacitive touch and proximity sensing in consumer and industrial human-interface applications - emphasizing noise immunity, calibration autonomy, and flexible power-state management.
FAQ
What is the SMBus/I²C address of the CAP1298-1-SL?
The CAP1298-1-SL uses a fixed 7-bit SMBus/I²C slave address of 0x50 (0101000b). This address is hard-coded and not configurable via pins or registers. The device supports both Write Byte and Block Write protocols, and responds to standard START/STOP conditions. All communications remain functional in Active, Standby, and Combo states; Deep Sleep disables sensing but retains bus responsiveness to wake the device.
Does the CAP1298-1-SL support true proximity sensing, and how is it implemented?
Yes, the CAP1298-1-SL supports hardware-assisted proximity detection on any of its eight channels. Proximity is enabled by configuring a channel in Standby or Combo state with elevated sensitivity and longer sampling intervals. When used with the Signal Guard (SG) function on CS5/SG pin, the device actively drives a shield electrode to isolate the proximity antenna from nearby conductive surfaces - increasing effective detection range and reducing false triggers from environmental capacitance changes.
How does automatic recalibration work in the CAP1298-1-SL, and is it configurable?
The CAP1298-1-SL performs continuous background recalibration to compensate for parasitic capacitance and slow environmental drift (e.g., temperature/humidity). It dynamically updates the baseline "untouched" capacitance value for each enabled channel using adaptive filtering. This process is fully automatic and cannot be disabled - though recalibration rate and aggressiveness are indirectly influenced by averaging count, sample time, and cycle timing settings. No host intervention is required to maintain stable touch performance over time.
What is the function of the CS5/SG pin on the CAP1298-1-SL, and how is it configured?
The CS5/SG pin on the CAP1298-1-SL is a dual-function terminal: it operates either as capacitive touch input CS5 or as Signal Guard output (SG), selected via configuration register bits. When used as SG, it drives a shield electrode at the same frequency as the proximity channel to cancel stray coupling - improving noise immunity and proximity range. The pin supports up to 200 pF capacitive load to ground and must be routed as a low-impedance trace adjacent to the proximity antenna. Configuration is done exclusively through I²C register writes; no pin-strapping is involved.
Can the CAP1298-1-SL operate from a 3.3 V supply, and what are the I/O voltage tolerances?
Yes, the CAP1298-1-SL operates across a 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply range, making it fully compatible with 3.3 V systems. All digital I/O pins - including SMDATA, SMCLK, and ALERT# - are 5 V tolerant, meaning they safely accept 5 V logic levels even when VDD = 3.3 V. This eliminates level-shifting requirements in mixed-voltage designs. However, per datasheet Note 2-2, the voltage difference between any 5 V-tolerant pin and VDD must not exceed 3.6 V - so a 5 V pull-up on SMDATA is permissible with 3.3 V VDD.
CAP1298-1-SL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- 14-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- Buttons
- Proximity Detection:
- Yes
- Number of Inputs:
- 8
- LED Driver Channels:
- -
- Interface:
- I2C, SMBus
- Resolution:
- 8 b
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 5.5V
- Current - Supply:
- 750µA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 14-SOIC
CAP1298-1-SL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for CAP1298-1-SL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for CAP1298-1-SL 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 CAP1298-1-SL reliable?
The price and inventory of CAP1298-1-SL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for CAP1298-1-SL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for CAP1298-1-SL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for CAP1298-1-SL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for CAP1298-1-SL?
CAP1298-1-SL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your CAP1298-1-SL 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 CAP1298-1-SL?
For technical support, including CAP1298-1-SL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your CAP1298-1-SL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that CAP1298-1-SL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All CAP1298-1-SL 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 CAP1298-1-SL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of CAP1298-1-SL?
All CAP1298-1-SL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with CAP1298-1-SL, 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 CAP1298-1-SL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for CAP1298-1-SL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
CAP1298-1-SL Tags
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IQS228B00000000TSR
Azoteq (Pty) Ltd
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MTCH101T-I/OT
Microchip Technology
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IQS323001CSR
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AT42QT1011-TSHR
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MTCH102T-I/MS
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IQS323001DNR
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