Microchip Technology E1103

Overview

E1103 from QRG Ltd. is an evaluation kit designed to support rapid prototyping and functional validation of the QT1103-ISG capacitive touch controller IC in Simplified mode. It includes a main PCB with LED indicators, a 10-key keyboard PCB, CR2032 battery power, jumper-configurable Adjacent Key Suppression (AKS), and external electrode/output access via J2 and J3 connectors.

For engineers reviewing the E1103 datasheet, E1103 pinout, E1103 application, or E1103 equivalent, this kit enables hands-on verification of QT1103-ISG key scan performance, AKS behavior, auto-power-off timing (~15 min), LED feedback response, and external electrode integration - all critical for human-interface design in consumer and industrial control panels.

Technical Context

The E1103 implements a complete hardware evaluation platform for the QT1103-ISG, a single-chip capacitive touch sensor IC with 10-channel key scan, on-chip sample capacitors (C1–C10), and integrated LED drivers. It operates in Simplified mode, requiring no host microcontroller communication.

AKS configuration is implemented globally via a 2-way jumper (J1), and power management includes battery-only operation (CR2032, – side to board) or optional external supply - with mandatory battery removal when external power is used. Auto-shutdown uses QT1103-ISG's internal timer.

Key Specifications

Availability

E1103 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for capacitive touch interface development, embedded HMI validation, and production-ready touch panel qualification requiring stable component supply and documented reference behavior.

Supply support for E1103 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

QRG Ltd. is a UK-based semiconductor company specializing in capacitive touch sensing technology and human-interface ICs, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Southampton.

The E1103 belongs to QRG's QT evaluation kit product line, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of their QT1103-ISG and related touch controllers by providing fully assembled, jumper-configurable, and documentation-supported hardware platforms for functional testing and design-in.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the E1103 evaluation kit?

The E1103 evaluation kit serves as a ready-to-use hardware platform for validating the QT1103-ISG capacitive touch controller IC in Simplified mode. It enables immediate tactile testing of 10-key scan response, LED feedback, AKS behavior, and power management - without requiring firmware or host MCU integration. The E1103 provides direct access to QT1103-ISG signals via J2 and J3, making it essential for early-stage HMI design and qualification.

How does the AKS jumper (J1) affect E1103 operation?

The 2-way jumper at J1 configures global Adjacent Key Suppression for the entire E1103 keyboard. When set to 'On', only the LED corresponding to the strongest-touch key illuminates during multi-key press; when 'Off', all touched keys light their respective LEDs. This setting requires power cycle to take effect - the E1103 must be powered off and back on after moving J1. The behavior is implemented directly by the QT1103-ISG IC embedded in the E1103 assembly.

Can the E1103 operate with an external power supply instead of the CR2032 battery?

Yes, the E1103 supports external 3 V power via J3 or dedicated supply pads, but the CR2032 battery must be physically removed before connecting external power - failure to do so risks damage to the E1103 Main PCB or QT1103-ISG IC. The E1103 does not include voltage regulation or reverse-polarity protection, so external supply polarity and stability must match QT1103-ISG requirements per its datasheet.

What components are included in the E1103 kit contents?

The E1103 kit includes one E1103 Evaluation Assembly (comprising E1103 Main PCB and E1103 Keyboard PCB), one CR2032 battery (3 V, 235 mAh), two sample QT1103-ISG ICs pre-soldered on the main board, and one printed E1103 User Guide. All items are factory-packed and revision-controlled (REV 201.0108), with no additional tools or cables required for basic operation.

Why does the E1103 power down after ~15 minutes, and can this be disabled?

The E1103 powers down after approximately 15 minutes due to the built-in auto-shutdown timer of the QT1103-ISG IC - not a feature of the E1103 PCB itself. This timeout cannot be disabled via hardware jumpers or external signals on the E1103; it is inherent to QT1103-ISG's Simplified mode operation. Touching the ON/OFF key resets the timer, restoring full functionality until the next timeout cycle.