Microchip Technology DM183026

Overview

DM183026 from Microchip Technology is an mTouch™ Capacitive Evaluation Kit designed to accelerate development and demonstration of capacitive touch sensing solutions using PIC16F and PIC24F microcontrollers. It includes two motherboards (PIC16F727 CSM and PIC24FJ64GB106 CTMU), four sensor boards (8-key direct, 12-key matrix, 2-channel slider, 4-channel slider), PICkit Serial Analyzer, USB cable, and preloaded firmware enabling immediate out-of-box evaluation of touch response, sensitivity tuning, and multi-sensor configuration.

For engineers reviewing the DM183026 datasheet, DM183026 pinout, DM183026 application, or DM183026 equivalent, this kit supports rapid prototyping of embedded human-machine interfaces requiring robust, low-power capacitive sensing - especially where CTMU-based charge-time measurement or CSM-based relaxation oscillation methods are under evaluation.

Technical Context

The DM183026 kit implements two distinct capacitive sensing architectures: the PIC16F727 motherboard uses its on-chip Cap Sense Module (CSM) to generate and measure relaxation oscillator frequency shifts upon touch; the PIC24FJ64GB106 motherboard leverages its Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) with a programmable constant current source to detect capacitance changes via voltage decay timing.

Both platforms support real-time sensor calibration via the PC-based mTouch Diagnostic Tool over USB (PIC24F) or I²C (PIC16F via PICkit Serial Analyzer), enabling trip-point adjustment, noise filtering, and persistence tuning without firmware reprogramming.

Key Specifications

Availability

DM183026 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI prototyping, consumer appliance UI validation, and embedded touch interface qualification requiring stable component supply and full evaluation ecosystem support.

Supply support for DM183026 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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and development tools, certified to ISO/TS-16949:2002 and ISO 9001:2000 for design and manufacturing quality systems.

The DM183026 belongs to Microchip's mTouch™ Sensing Solutions product line, engineered specifically to lower the barrier for implementing reliable, production-ready capacitive touch interfaces on PIC MCUs without custom hardware or low-level timing code.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DM183026 evaluation kit?

The DM183026 evaluation kit provides a complete, preconfigured hardware and software platform for evaluating and developing capacitive touch sensing applications using Microchip's PIC16F and PIC24F microcontrollers. It enables immediate testing of CSM- and CTMU-based sensing methods across multiple sensor types - including direct keys, matrix keypads, and linear sliders - without requiring custom PCB design or firmware development.

Which microcontrollers are included on the DM183026 motherboards?

The DM183026 includes two separate motherboards: one populated with the PIC16F727 microcontroller featuring the Cap Sense Module (CSM), and another with the PIC24FJ64GB106 microcontroller featuring the Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU). Both devices ship with preloaded demo firmware optimized for their respective sensing architectures.

How does the DM183026 support sensor calibration and tuning?

The DM183026 supports real-time sensor calibration through the PC-based mTouch Diagnostic Tool, which communicates with the PIC24F board via USB or the PIC16F board via I²C (using the included PICkit Serial Analyzer). Users can adjust trip points, filter settings, and persistence behavior dynamically - all without reprogramming the MCU firmware.

Can the DM183026 be used for production firmware development?

Yes - the DM183026 includes a standard 6-wire ICSP™ programming interface compatible with Microchip programmers (e.g., PICkit 3, REAL ICE), allowing engineers to replace the demo firmware with custom applications developed in MPLAB IDE using C or assembly. The board serves as both an evaluation and functional development testbed.

What sensor topologies are supported by the DM183026 plug-in boards?

The DM183026 supports four plug-in sensor boards: an 8-key direct-sense board (one-to-one channel mapping), a 12-key matrix board (4×3 layout), a 2-channel linear slider, and a 4-channel linear slider. Each connects to the mainboard's 16-channel J4 header and is preconfigured in the demo firmware for immediate use.