Microchip Technology EVK1060A

Overview

EVK1060A from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is an evaluation board designed specifically for the AT42QT1060-MMU 6-channel capacitive touch controller IC. It features six integrated capacitive keys (including a guard channel), seven GPIOs (six configured as LED outputs, one as pushbutton input), and supports standalone battery operation (CR2032) or I²C-hosted development via USB adapter (e.g., Part #9206).

For engineers reviewing the EVK1060A datasheet, EVK1060A pinout, EVK1060A application, or EVK1060A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of QTouch™ touch sensing performance-including Adjacent Key Suppression (AKS), guard channel behavior, sensitivity tuning via external sense capacitors (C0–C5), and low-power auto-off timing in embedded human-interface designs.

Technical Context

The EVK1060A implements the AT42QT1060-MMU in self-contained mode with factory-default register settings loaded via on-board 5029 configuration logic. It operates at 3V from CR2032 or external supply, with Schottky diode protection (D1/D2) for dual-source isolation.

Key functional blocks include: six dedicated sense electrodes (K0–K5), one guard electrode (K5), seven GPIO pads (GPO0–GPO5 + GPI6), I²C interface pins (/CHG, SCL, SDA), and jumper J1 to globally enable/disable AKS-directly affecting multi-touch LED response and guard channel prioritization.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVK1060A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for capacitive touch UI prototyping, consumer electronics HMI validation, and industrial control panel development requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation capability.

Supply support for EVK1060A 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 acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full technical and supply chain support for legacy Atmel touch products including the QT1060 family.

The EVK1060A belongs to Microchip's QTouch™ evaluation platform line, engineered to accelerate design-in of robust, low-power capacitive touch interfaces for battery-operated and space-constrained applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVK1060A?

The EVK1060A is a dedicated evaluation board for the AT42QT1060-MMU capacitive touch controller IC. It provides immediate hardware access to all six sensing channels, the guard electrode (K5), seven GPIOs, and configurable AKS behavior-enabling hands-on testing of touch response, sensitivity tuning, and power management without custom PCB design. The EVK1060A validates real-world QTouch™ performance before integration into final systems.

Does the EVK1060A require a host microcontroller to operate?

No-the EVK1060A operates in standalone mode using its onboard AT42QT1060-MMU and CR2032 battery. Touch events directly illuminate LEDs (K0–K4, K5) and respond to SW1 without external firmware. A host is only needed for advanced configuration via I²C (e.g., using the Plug-In USB card Part #9206), but the EVK1060A itself functions autonomously as a complete touch demonstration system.

How is Adjacent Key Suppression (AKS) controlled on the EVK1060A?

AKS is controlled globally via jumper J1: placing the link on pins 1–2 enables AKS (only strongest signal LED lights during multi-touch); placing it on pins 2–3 disables AKS (multiple LEDs light simultaneously). This setting directly affects how the AT42QT1060-MMU interprets overlapping touches across K0–K4 and determines whether K5 guard channel signals suppress or coexist with key detections-critical for pocket-detection or ear-sensing use cases.

Can the EVK1060A be powered from an external source instead of the CR2032 battery?

Yes-the EVK1060A accepts external 3V DC power, but requires installation of Schottky diodes at D1 and D2 to prevent back-feeding between battery and external supply. The battery must be removed during external operation to avoid damage or leakage. Diode placement ensures safe dual-source isolation while maintaining stable 3V rail integrity for the AT42QT1060-MMU and 5029 configuration logic on the EVK1060A.

What components are included in the EVK1060A kit?

The EVK1060A kit contains: one assembled EVK1060A evaluation board, one CR2032 3V battery (235mAh), two sample AT42QT1060-MMU ICs, and the EVK1060A User Guide. No additional tools or cables are included-USB connectivity requires separate purchase of Plug-In USB card Part #9206, and external electrode integration requires cutting tracks LK4–LK9 and soldering user-defined sensors to R0–R5 pads.