Microchip Technology DM164128

Overview

DM164128 from Microchip Technology is a PICDEM™ Touch Sense 2 demonstration board designed to evaluate and develop capacitive touch sensing applications using the PIC24FJ256GB110 microcontroller. It integrates four distinct touch interfaces - directional keypad, numeric keypad (4×5), touch slider, and soft power control - all driven by the on-chip CTMU peripheral, with USB-powered operation and real-time PC-based diagnostics via mTouch™ software.

For engineers reviewing the DM164128 datasheet, DM164128 pinout, DM164128 application, or DM164128 equivalent, this board serves as a validated hardware reference for rapid prototyping of CTMU-based capacitive touch systems, firmware calibration, sensor layout validation, and USB HID interface implementation without external power or additional toolchain setup.

Technical Context

The DM164128 implements a complete, preprogrammed capacitive touch system centered on the PIC24FJ256GB110 MCU's Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), which delivers constant-current charging for analog channel-based capacitance detection. Sensor inputs are routed directly to CTMU-capable pins (e.g., AN0–AN15) and processed via firmware-averaged ADC conversions scaled to 0–65535.

USB communication uses the PIC24F's integrated USB 2.0 module in full-speed device mode, enumerating as a custom HID class device. The board supports ICSP™ programming via a 6-wire header for firmware replacement, and operates standalone after USB disconnection using test-point power input (3.3 V).

Key Specifications

Availability

DM164128 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for capacitive touch UI development, embedded human-machine interface (HMI) validation, and CTMU peripheral evaluation requiring stable component supply, long-term design-in support, and traceable sourcing for industrial and consumer electronics programs.

Supply support for DM164128 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and development tools, with ISO/TS-16949:2002 and ISO 9001:2000 certifications across its design and manufacturing operations.

The DM164128 belongs to Microchip's PICDEM™ family of demonstration boards, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of mTouch™ capacitive sensing technology on PIC24F MCUs - targeting low-cost, robust, and PCB-integrated touch interfaces for appliances, industrial controls, and interactive consumer devices.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DM164128 demo board?

The DM164128 is a fully assembled, preprogrammed demonstration platform for capacitive touch sensing using Microchip's PIC24FJ256GB110 MCU and CTMU peripheral. It enables immediate evaluation of touch slider, numeric keypad, directional compass, and soft power control - all implemented without external sensors or analog front-end components. The DM164128 ships with factory-loaded firmware and supports direct USB connection for real-time diagnostics via the mTouch™ software.

Does the DM164128 require an external power supply?

No - the DM164128 draws both power and communication through its USB mini-B interface, operating at 5 V from the host PC. For standalone use, it can be powered externally via 3.3 V test points (TP1/TP2), bypassing USB. The board contains no voltage regulator; the PIC24F MCU runs natively at 3.3 V, with USB transceiver powered from the 5 V bus and level-shifted internally.

Can I replace the firmware on the DM164128 with my own code?

Yes - the DM164128 includes a standard 6-pin ICSP™ programming header compatible with Microchip's MPLAB® ICD 3, PICkit™ 3, and REAL ICE™ debuggers. Using MPLAB X IDE and the C30 compiler, users can load custom firmware that leverages the CTMU, USB stack, and GPIO resources. The board schematic (Appendix A of DS51748A) documents all signal mappings and pin assignments required for development.

Which software tools are required to use the DM164128?

The DM164128 works out-of-the-box with the included mTouch™ Sensing Solution application (installed from CD or downloaded from Microchip). For firmware development, you need MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB C30 compiler, and appropriate debugger drivers. USB drivers install automatically on Windows XP SP2 and 32-bit Vista; no additional drivers are needed for the preloaded demo application.

Is the DM164128 compatible with newer PIC24F or PIC32 devices?

The DM164128 is hardware-specific to the PIC24FJ256GB110 and its CTMU implementation; it is not electrically or firmware-compatible with PIC32 or later-generation MCUs. However, the mTouch™ library and CTMU concepts demonstrated on the DM164128 are portable - Microchip provides updated mTouch™ libraries for PIC32 and PIC24/dsPIC DSC families, enabling migration of touch algorithms to newer platforms with appropriate hardware adaptation.