Microchip Technology E160

Overview

E160 from Quantum Research Group is an evaluation board for the QT160 six-channel QTouch™ capacitive touch controller IC, featuring six copper-ring keypads with individual backlighting LEDs, capacitive coupling between dual PCB layers, and AKS™ adjacent-key suppression. It operates from 7–12 V DC (e.g., 9 V alkaline battery), includes onboard 78L05 regulation, and supports configurable recalibration timeout (10 s / 60 s / infinite) via dual slide switches.

For engineers reviewing the E160 datasheet, E160 pinout, E160 application, or E160 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of QT160-based touch interfaces in consumer control panels, industrial HMI overlays, and transparent-plastic-fronted user interfaces - with attention to power stability, Cs capacitor tuning, and AKS behavior under overlapping or wet-finger conditions.

Technical Context

The E160 implements a two-layer PCB architecture: the lower board hosts the QT160 IC, 78L05 regulator, six Cs sampling capacitors, LED driver transistors, and bypass capacitors; the upper board contains only the six circular copper sense electrodes, capacitively coupled to the lower layer - eliminating mechanical connectors or vias between layers.

Each channel acquires sequentially with per-key drift compensation active during non-touch periods; AKS™ enforces single-key activation among adjacent rings by comparing real-time signal amplitudes, while recalibration timeout prevents stuck-key states caused by foreign objects or dielectric contamination - all configured globally via hardware slide switches (A/B/C/D).

Key Specifications

Availability

E160 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for rapid prototyping of capacitive touch interfaces, transparent-panel HMIs, and industrial control overlays requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for E160 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

Quantum Research Group Ltd. is a UK/US-based developer of capacitive touch sensing technology, specializing in QTouch™ ICs and evaluation platforms for robust, low-power human interface solutions.

The E160 belongs to QRG's evaluation board product line, designed specifically to accelerate development and validation of QT160-based touch systems using standard PCB fabrication and untreated plastic overlays.

FAQ

What is the E160 used for?

The E160 is a dedicated evaluation board for the QT160 capacitive touch controller IC. It enables engineers to validate six-key touch performance, AKS™ behavior, recalibration timing, and LED feedback integration before committing to custom PCB design. The E160 uses dual-layer capacitive coupling and supports rapid iteration on sensor layout, Cs tuning, and overlay material selection - all without soldering or firmware changes.

Does the E160 include a low-voltage indicator?

No, the E160 does not include a low-voltage indicator. As explicitly stated in the documentation, "no low voltage indicator on the E160." Users must monitor external power source health independently - especially when using a 9 V alkaline battery, as operation becomes erratic near end-of-life.

How does the E160 implement capacitive coupling between layers?

The E160 uses two physically separate PCBs: the lower board contains the QT160 IC, regulators, and LEDs; the upper board holds only the six copper-ring sense electrodes. There is no direct electrical connection - coupling occurs capacitively through the air gap and plastic panel, simplifying assembly and enabling modular redesign of the top sensing layer without affecting circuitry.

What role do the slide switches play on the E160?

The two slide switches on the E160 configure global QT160 operating modes: one sets toggle vs. momentary output behavior, and the other selects recalibration timeout (10 s, 60 s, or infinite). These settings apply identically to all six channels - ensuring consistent system-level response without per-channel reconfiguration.

Why are bypass capacitors used across the LEDs on the E160?

Bypass capacitors across each LED on the E160 suppress signal 'stiction' caused by junction capacitance modulation during LED turn-on. As forward bias changes LED capacitance, coupling into adjacent sense rings could corrupt detection. The bypass caps swamp this variable capacitance with a stable, dominant value - preserving baseline integrity and enabling reliable touch discrimination.