Microchip Technology QT60040-IS
- Part No.:
- QT60040-IS
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Sensor, Capacitive Touch
- Package:
- 14-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
QT60040-IS.pdf
- Description:
- SENSOR IC MATRX TOUCH 4CH 14SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,049
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Product details
Overview
QT60040-IS from Quantum Research Group is a 4-key CMOS charge-transfer touch-sensing IC for matrix-based capacitive touch controls. It implements a 4×1 X/Y electrode architecture with transverse charge-transfer sensing, requires only one external 22–220 nF sampling capacitor (Cs), delivers active-high digital outputs per key, and supports 2-key rollover with auto-recalibration at 10 or 60 seconds. It enables sealed, vandal-proof keypads in appliances and industrial control panels.
For engineers reviewing the QT60040-IS datasheet, QT60040-IS pinout, QT60040-IS application, or QT60040-IS equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed alternative parts with functional trade-offs, and supply support for production deployment in harsh-environment human interface systems.
Technical Context
The QT60040-IS uses burst-mode transverse charge-transfer sensing across four X-drive lines and one shared Y-sense line to detect finger proximity via changes in coupling capacitance (Cx1/Cx2a/Cx2b) relative to parasitic Y-to-ground capacitance (Cx3). Its internal state machine measures burst length - hundreds to thousands of cycles per key - as a direct function of Cs, Cx3, and finger-induced capacitance shift.
Signal processing includes asymmetric drift compensation (faster recovery on finger removal), real-time threshold/hysteresis tracking (25% hysteresis), detection integration (3-sample confirmation), and Max On-Duration timeout (10/60 s configurable per key). All calibration is fully self-contained - no factory setup or external microcontroller required.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | +2.5 V to +5.5 V - operates directly from standard LDOs (e.g., 78L05) or zener regulators; tracks slow VDD changes but rejects fast spikes. |
| Sampling Capacitor (Cs) | 22 nF to 220 nF - single external film capacitor sets sensitivity; 47 nF is typical starting value for glass/plastic panels up to 6 mm thick. |
| Key Rollover | 2-key simultaneous detection - hardware-limited; third+ touches suppress to first two keys unless OPT1 pin grounded for 1-key mode. |
| Response Time | 85 ms typical - time from finger contact to stable output assertion; independent of panel thickness or material within spec limits. |
| Power Consumption | 0.65 mA @ 5 V - ultra-low quiescent current enables battery-powered or energy-sensitive designs without duty cycling. |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C - industrial-grade thermal range validated for automotive dashboards, outdoor kiosks, and appliance control panels. |
| Output Drive | Active-high CMOS - 1 mA max load per Q1–Q4 output; logic-level compatible with MCU GPIOs or discrete transistor drivers. |
Pinout & Package
QT60040-IS is housed in a 14-pin SOIC package (7.5 mm × 8.8 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch), rated for −40 °C to +85 °C operation. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; device orientation follows JEDEC MS-012 standard.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD (Pin 14) | Positive power supply | Primary supply rail; also serves as internal reference voltage - requires 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor placed adjacent to pin. |
| GND (Pin 1) | Ground reference | Return path for all internal circuitry and external electrodes; must be low-impedance and isolated from noisy digital ground planes. |
| X1–X4 (Pins 2,13,12,11) | Matrix drive lines | Low-impedance CMOS outputs that sequentially pulse during burst acquisition; routed directly to interdigitated or single-electrode X elements. |
| Y (Pin 10) | Sense input | Shared receive line for all 4 keys; high sensitivity to parasitic capacitance - must avoid routing near ground planes or unrelated traces. |
| CS (Pin 9) | Charge sampling node | Connects to external Cs capacitor; electrically tied to Y line - sensitive to ESD and layout parasitics; shortest possible trace required. |
| Q1–Q4 (Pins 4–7) | Digital touch outputs | Active-high CMOS signals indicating key press; each drives one key; limited to ≤1 mA load to prevent VDD/VSS rail disturbance. |
| OPT1 (Pin 3) | Rollover configuration | Ground = 1-key mode; open or VDD = 2-key rollover - sets hardware arbitration behavior without firmware involvement. |
| OPT2 (Pin 4) | Recalibration timeout | Ground = 10 s Max On-Duration; open or VDD = 60 s - configures individual key recalibration timer after sustained touch. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Transverse charge-transfer sensing | Reduces electrode count to 4 X + 1 Y lines - eliminates need for per-key ICs and enables cost-effective 4-key matrix on single-layer PCB or flex. |
| Self-calibrating architecture | Full calibration completes in ~1 second at power-up - no factory programming, operator intervention, or external calibration routine required. |
| Asymmetric drift compensation | Compensates faster for finger removal than approach - preserves sensitivity to approaching touch while enabling rapid recovery for next valid event. |
| Configurable Max On-Duration | Hardware-selectable 10 s or 60 s timeout per key - prevents false lockup from foreign objects (e.g., water droplets, debris) without disabling functionality. |
| Backlight-compatible ITO support | Enables touch sensing through transparent conductive electrodes on LCDs or LED panels - no "chip-on-glass" fabrication needed. |
Applications
| Appliance Control Panels | Industrial Keypads |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Sealed front-panel controls for ovens, microwaves, and washing machines exposed to steam, splashes, and cleaning agents. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary touch sensor IC implementing 4-button interface with full environmental immunity and lifetime drift compensation. Use Value: Eliminates mechanical switches and rubber membranes - achieves IP65+ sealing, resists abrasion/chemical degradation, and maintains consistent sensitivity over 10+ years. | Use Scenario: Operator interface on CNC machines, PLC enclosures, and factory HMIs subject to vibration, dust, and physical impact. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust matrix touch controller delivering noise-immune, vandal-resistant key detection in electrically noisy industrial environments. Use Value: Withstands repeated physical abuse and condensation; no moving parts to wear out; immune to humidity-induced false triggers. |
| ATM & Kiosk Interfaces | Automotive Interior Controls |
Use Scenario: Public-access financial terminals and wayfinding kiosks requiring tamper resistance and long-term reliability under heavy use. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core capacitive touch sensing element enabling 4-key navigation or function selection behind tempered glass or polycarbonate overlays. Use Value: Supports vandal-proof construction (no exposed contacts); tolerates conductive films (e.g., rain, sweat) without false activation; meets UL 60950 creepage requirements. | Use Scenario: Climate control or infotainment buttons on vehicle dashboards operating across −40 °C to +85 °C ambient range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Automotive-qualified touch sensor providing reliable key detection through laminated glass or painted plastic surfaces. Use Value: Qualified for extended temperature range; immune to ESD events induced through panel; integrates seamlessly with existing 5 V automotive power domains. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar matrix touch-sensing applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT42QT1040-MAHR | 4-channel QTouch IC with I²C interface; requires external MCU for configuration; no native 2-key rollover - relies on host polling. | Best suited for systems with existing I²C infrastructure and firmware control; lacks hardware-configurable timeout or rollover. | Select when centralized touch management across multiple sensors is required; not drop-in due to communication dependency and different pinout. |
| MPR121QR2 | 12-channel I²C capacitive touch controller; higher channel count but requires external MCU, firmware, and calibration tuning; no hardware option pins. | Appropriate for scalable multi-key designs where flexibility outweighs simplicity; adds BOM and firmware overhead. | Choose for expandable interfaces beyond 4 keys; QT60040-IS offers lower system cost and zero-firmware operation for fixed 4-key needs. |
Compared with AT42QT1040-MAHR and MPR121QR2, the QT60040-IS delivers true standalone operation - no MCU, no firmware, no bus interface - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability 4-key applications where deterministic timing and hardware configurability are critical.
Availability
QT60040-IS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for appliance control panels, industrial HMIs, ATM interfaces, and automotive interior controls requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for QT60040-IS 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-based semiconductor company specializing in patented capacitive touch sensing technologies, including QMatrix™, QTouch™, and QSlide™ platforms.
The QT60040-IS belongs to Quantum's QMatrix™ family of charge-transfer ICs, engineered specifically for robust, low-cost, sealed-touch interfaces in domestic, industrial, and public-access equipment where environmental resilience and long-term stability are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the primary sensing method used by the QT60040-IS?
The QT60040-IS uses transverse charge-transfer sensing - a proprietary burst-mode technique that measures changes in coupling capacitance between four X-drive electrodes and one shared Y-sense electrode. It detects finger presence by quantifying reductions in charge transfer caused by capacitive loading from touch, with built-in algorithms rejecting conductive film interference. This method is implemented entirely within the QT60040-IS without external processor involvement.
How does the QT60040-IS handle environmental drift over time?
The QT60040-IS incorporates an asymmetric drift compensation algorithm that continuously adjusts its internal reference level during idle periods - tracking slow capacitance shifts in electrodes and Cs due to temperature, humidity, or aging. It compensates faster when finger contact ends (to recover quickly) and slower when contact begins (to preserve sensitivity), ensuring stable thresholding without manual recalibration. This behavior is intrinsic to the QT60040-IS silicon design and requires no external components or firmware.
Can the QT60040-IS be used with backlit ITO electrodes?
Yes, the QT60040-IS is explicitly designed to operate with transparent conductive electrodes such as Indium-Tin-Oxide (ITO) deposited on the rear of LCDs or LED panels. Its transverse charge-transfer architecture functions reliably through clear overlays, enabling illuminated touch keys without exotic fabrication like chip-on-glass. The QT60040-IS achieves this using standard PCB or flex materials - no special manufacturing processes are needed for ITO integration.
What are the exact power supply requirements for stable QT60040-IS operation?
The QT60040-IS requires a regulated +2.5 V to +5.5 V DC supply with ≤10 mVp-p ripple and noise. A 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor must be placed directly between VDD (Pin 14) and GND (Pin 1). Supply rejection is optimized for slow VDD variations, but fast transients (e.g., digital switching noise) can disrupt sensing - hence dedicated low-noise regulation (e.g., 78L05) is recommended. The QT60040-IS draws only 0.65 mA at 5 V, supporting efficient power design.
How is key sensitivity adjusted on the QT60040-IS?
Key sensitivity on the QT60040-IS is set solely by the value of the external sampling capacitor (Cs), connected between Pin 9 (CS) and GND. Increasing Cs (22–220 nF range) increases burst length and thus sensitivity - ideal for thicker or less-coupling dielectrics like stone or wood. Decreasing Cs reduces sensitivity and improves noise immunity. A 47 nF polyester or PPS film capacitor is the recommended starting point for most 3–6 mm glass or plastic panels, and final tuning is done empirically per mechanical layout.
QT60040-IS Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- 14-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- QMatrix™
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- Buttons
- Proximity Detection:
- No
- Number of Inputs:
- 4
- LED Driver Channels:
- -
- Interface:
- -
- Resolution:
- 12 b
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V ~ 5.25V
- Current - Supply:
- 650µA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 14-SOIC
QT60040-IS FAQ
1.How can I place an order for QT60040-IS through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for QT60040-IS on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for QT60040-IS reliable?
The price and inventory of QT60040-IS are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for QT60040-IS is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for QT60040-IS?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for QT60040-IS transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for QT60040-IS?
QT60040-IS orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your QT60040-IS order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for QT60040-IS?
For technical support, including QT60040-IS datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your QT60040-IS requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that QT60040-IS is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All QT60040-IS products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that QT60040-IS meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of QT60040-IS?
All QT60040-IS units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with QT60040-IS, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The QT60040-IS part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for QT60040-IS:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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