lQ
QProx™ QT60168, QT60248
16, 24 K
EY
QM
ATRIX
™ IC
s
/RST
X0
Y2A
Y2B
Y0A
Y1A
Second generation charge-transfer QMatrix technology
Keys individually adjustable for sensitivity, response
time, and many other critical parameters
Panel thicknesses to 50mm through any dielectric
16 and 24 touch key versions
100% autocal for life - no adjustments required
SPI slave interface
Adjacent key suppression feature
Synchronous noise suppression feature
Spread-spectrum modulation - high noise immunity
Mix and match key sizes & shapes in one panel
Low overhead communications protocol
FMEA compliant design features
Negligible external component count
Extremely low cost per key
+3 to +5V single supply operation
32-pin lead-free TQFP package
X3
X4
VSS
VDD
VSS
VDD
X5
X6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25
24
23
X1
X2
VREF
X7
Y1B
Y0B
n/c
VSS
VDD
SYNC
VDD
SCK
QT60248
QT60168
TQFP-32
22
21
20
19
18
17
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
SMP
S_SYNC
/SS
MISO
MOSI
DRDY
APPLICATIONS
Security keypanels
Industrial keyboards
Appliance controls
Outdoor keypads
ATM machines
Touch-screens
Automotive panels
Machine tools
These digital charge-transfer (“QT”) QMatrix™ ICs are designed to detect human touch on up to 16 or 24 keys when used with a
scanned, passive X-Y matrix. They will project touch keys through almost any dielectric, e.g. glass, plastic, stone, ceramic, and even
wood, up to thicknesses of 5 cm or more. The touch areas are defined as simple 2-part interdigitated electrodes of conductive material,
like copper or screened silver or carbon deposited on the rear of a control panel. Key sizes, shapes and placement are almost entirely
arbitrary; sizes and shapes of keys can be mixed within a single panel of keys and can vary by a factor of 20:1 in surface area. The
sensitivity of each key can be set individually via simple functions over the serial port by a host microcontroller. Key setups are stored
in an onboard eeprom and do not need to be reloaded with each powerup.
These devices are designed specifically for appliances, electronic kiosks, security panels, portable instruments, machine tools, or
similar products that are subject to environmental influences or even vandalism. They permit the construction of 100% sealed,
watertight control panels that are immune to humidity, temperature, dirt accumulation, or the physical deterioration of the panel surface
from abrasion, chemicals, or abuse. To this end they contain Quantum-pioneered adaptive auto self-calibration, drift compensation, and
digital filtering algorithms that make the sensing function robust and survivable.
These devices feature continuous FMEA self-test and reporting diagnostics, to allow their use in critical consumer appliance
applications, for example ovens and cooktops.
Common PCB materials or flex circuits can be used as the circuit substrate; the overlying panel can be made of any non-conducting
material. External circuitry consists of only a few passive parts. Control and data transfer is via an SPI port.
These devices makes use of an important new variant of charge-transfer sensing, transverse charge-transfer, in a matrix format that
minimizes the number of required scan lines. Unlike older methods, it does not require one IC per key.
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
T
A
-40 C to +105
0
C
-40
0
C to +105
0
C
0
# Keys
16
24
Part Number
QT60168-ASG
QT60248-ASG
Lead-Free
Yes
Yes
LQ
Copyright © 2004 QRG Ltd
QT60248-AS R4.02/0405
Contents
..............................
1.1 Part differences
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Enabling / Disabling Keys
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Hardware & Functional
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1 Matrix Scan Sequence
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 Disabling Keys; Burst Paring
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3 Response Time
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4 Oscillator
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5 Sample Capacitors; Saturation
.................
2.6 Sample Resistors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.7 Signal Levels
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.8 Matrix Series Resistors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.9 Key Design
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.10 PCB Layout, Construction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.10.1 LED Traces and Other Switching Signals
............
2.10.2 PCB Cleanliness
.......................
2.11 Power Supply Considerations
.................
2.12 Startup / Calibration Times
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2-1 Basic Timings
......................
2.13 Reset Input
..........................
2.14 Spread Spectrum Acquisitions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.15 Detection Integrators
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.16 FMEA Tests
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.17 Wiring
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2.2 - Pin Listing
.......................
Figure 2.7 Wiring Diagram
......................
3 Serial Communications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1 DRDY Pin
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 SPI Communications
......................
3.3 Command Error Handling
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Control Commands
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.1 Null Command - 0x00
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2 Enter Setups Mode - 0x01
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3 Cal All - 0x03
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.4 Force Reset - 0x04
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.5 General Status - 0x05
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.6 Report 1st Key - 0x06
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.7 Report Detections for All Keys - 0x07
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4.1 Bits for key reporting and numbering
............
4.8 Report Error Flags for All Keys - 0x0b
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 Overview
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
8
8
9
10
10
10
11
11
11
12
12
12
12
13
13
13
13
...................
...................
4.11 Eeprom CRC - 0x0e
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.12 Return Last Command - 0x0f
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.13 Internal Code - 0x10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.14 Internal Code - 0x12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.15 Data Set for One Key - 0x4k
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.16 Status for Key ‘k’ - 0x8k
....................
4.17 Cal Key ‘k’ - 0xck
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.18 Command Sequencing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4.2 Command Summary
....................
5 Setups
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.1 Negative Threshold - NTHR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2 Positive Threshold - PTHR
...................
5.3 Drift Compensation - NDRIFT, PDRIFT
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4 Detect Integrators - NDIL, FDIL
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.5 Negative Recal Delay - NRD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.6 Positive Recalibration Delay - PRD
...............
5.7 Burst Length - BL
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.8 Adjacent Key Suppression - AKS
................
5.9 Oscilloscope Sync - SSYNC
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.10 Mains Sync - MSYNC
.....................
5.11 Burst Spacing - BS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.12 Lower Signal Limit - LSL
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.13 Host CRC - HCRC
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 5.1 Setups Block
.......................
Table 5.2 Key Mapping
.......................
Table 5.3 Setups Block Summary
..................
6 Specifications
..........................
6.1 Absolute Maximum Electrical Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . .
6.2 Recommended operating conditions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3 DC Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.4 Timing Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.5 Mechanical Dimensions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.6 Marking
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Appendix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.1 8-Bit CRC Algorithm
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2 1-Sided Key Layout
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.3 PCB Layout
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.9 Report FMEA Status - 0x0c
4.10 Dump Setups Block - 0x0d
13
13
13
13
13
13
14
14
14
14
16
18
18
18
18
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
21
21
22
22
23
24
24
24
24
24
24
25
26
26
27
27
lQ
2
QT60248-AS R4.02/0405
1 Overview
QMatrix devices are digital burst mode charge-transfer (QT)
sensors designed specifically for matrix geometry touch
controls; they include all signal processing functions necessary
to provide stable sensing under a wide variety of changing
conditions. Only a few external parts are required for operation.
The entire circuit can be built within a few square centimeters of
single-sided PCB area. CEM-1 and FR1 punched, single-sided
materials can be used for possible lowest cost. The PCB’s rear
can be mounted flush on the back of a glass or plastic panel
using a conventional adhesive, such as 3M VHB 2-sided
adhesive acrylic film.
1.2 Enabling / Disabling Keys
The NDIL parameter is used to enable and disable keys in the
matrix. Setting NDIL = 0 for a key disables it (Section 5.4). At
no time can the number of enabled keys exceed the maximum
specified for the device in the case of the QT60168.
On the QT60168, only the first 2 Y lines (Y0, Y1) are
operational by default. On the QT60168, to use keys located on
line Y2, one or more of the pre-enabled keys must be disabled
simultaneously while enabling the desired new keys. This can
be done in one Setups block load operation.
Figure 1-1 Field flow between X and Y elements
overlying panel
2 Hardware & Functional
2.1 Matrix Scan Sequence
The circuit operates by scanning each key sequentially, key by
key. Key scanning begins with location X=0 / Y=0 (key #0). X
axis keys are known as
rows
while Y axis keys are referred to
as
columns.
Keys are scanned sequentially by row, for example
the sequence X0Y0 X1Y0 .... X7Y0, X0Y1, X1Y1... etc. Keys are
also numbered from 0..24. Key 0 is located at X0Y0. A table of
key numbering is located on page 22.
Each key is sampled in a burst of acquisition pulses whose
length is determined by the Setups parameter BL (page 20),
which can be set on a per-key basis. A burst is completed
entirely before the next key is sampled; at the end of each burst
the resulting signal is converted to digital form and processed.
The burst length directly impacts key gain; each key can have a
unique burst length in order to allow tailoring of key sensitivity
on a key by key basis.
X
element
Y
elem ent
QMatrix parts employ transverse charge-transfer ('QT') sensing,
a technology that senses changes in electrical charge forced
across an electrode by a pulse edge (Figure 1-1). QMatrix
devices allow for a wide range of key sizes and shapes to be
mixed together in a single touch panel.
The devices use an SPI interface to allow key data to be
extracted and to permit individual key parameter setup. The
interface protocol uses simple single byte commands and
responds with single byte responses in most cases. The
command structure is designed to minimize the amount of data
traffic while maximizing the amount of information conveyed.
In addition to normal operating and setup functions the device
can also report back actual signal strengths and error codes.
QmBtn software for the PC can be used to program the
operation of the IC as well as read back key status and signal
levels in real time.
The QT60168 and QT60248 are electrically identical with the
exception of the number of keys which may be sensed.
2.2 Disabling Keys; Burst Paring
Keys that are disabled by setting NDIL =0 (Section 5.4, page
19) have their bursts pared from the scan sequence to save
time. This has the consequence of affecting the scan rate of the
entire matrix as well as the time required for initial matrix
calibration.
Reducing the number of enabled keys also reduces the time
required to calibrate an individual key once the matrix is initially
calibrated after power-up or reset, since the total cycle time is
proportional to the number of enabled keys.
Keys that are disabled report as follows:
Signal = 0
Reference = 0
Low-signal error flag (provided LSL >0)
Calibrating flag for key set only just after device reset or
after a CAL command, for one scan cycle only
Failed calibration error for key always set
Detect flag for key never set
See also Section 4.16 notes.
1.1 Part differences
Versions of the device are capable of a maximum of 16 or 24
keys (QT60168, QT60248 respectively).
These devices are identical in all respects, except that each is
capable of only the number of keys specified. These keys can
be located anywhere within the electrical grid of 8 X and 3 Y
scan lines.
Unused keys are always pared from the burst sequence in
order to optimize speed. Similarly, in a given part a lesser
number of enabled keys will cause any unused acquisition burst
timeslots to be pared from the sampling sequence to optimize
acquire speed. Thus, if only 14 keys are actually enabled, only
14 timeslots are used for scanning.
2.3 Response Time
The response time of the device depends on the scan rate of
the keys (Section 5.11), the number of keys enabled (Section
5.4), the detect integrator settings (Section 5.4), the serial
polling rate by the host microcontroller, and the time required to
do FMEA tests at the end of each scan (~5ms).
lQ
3
QT60248-AS R4.02/0405
For example:
NKE = Number of keys enabled = 20
FDIL = Fast detect integrator limit = 5
BS = Burst spacing = 0.5ms
FMEA = FMEA test time = 5ms
NDIL = Norm detect integrator Limit = 2
HPR = Host polling rate = 10ms
The worst case response time is computed as:
Tr = ((((NKE + FDIL) * BS) + FMEA) * NDIL) + HPR
For the above example values:
Tr = ((((20 + 5) * 0.5ms) + 5ms) * 2) + 10ms = 45ms
2.6 Sample Resistors
There are 3 sample resistors (Rs) used to perform single-slope
ADC conversion of the acquired charge on each Cs capacitor.
These resistors directly control acquisition gain: larger values of
Rs will proportionately increase signal gain. Values of Rs can
range from 380K ohms to 1M ohms. 470K ohms is a
reasonable value for most purposes.
Unused Y lines do not require an Rs resistor.
2.7 Signal Levels
Quantum’s QmBtn™ software makes it is easy to observe the
absolute level of signal received by the sensor on each key.
The signal values should normally be in the range from 250 to
750 counts with properly designed key shapes and values of
Rs. However, long adjacent runs of X and Y lines can also
artificially boost the signal values, and induce signal saturation:
this is to be avoided. The X-to-Y coupling should come mostly
from intra-key electrode coupling, not from stray X-to-Y trace
coupling.
QmBtn software is available free of charge on Quantum’s
website.
The signal swing from the smallest finger touch should
preferably exceed 10 counts, with 15 being a reasonable target.
The signal threshold setting (NTHR) should be set to a value
guaranteed to be less than the signal swing caused by the
smallest touch.
2.4 Oscillator
The oscillator is internal to the device. There is no facility for
external clocking.
2.5 Sample Capacitors; Saturation
The charge sampler capacitors on the Y pins should be the
values shown. They should be X7R or NP0 ceramics or PPS
film. The value of these capacitors is not critical but 4.7nF is
recommended for most cases.
Cs voltage saturation is shown in Figure 2-1. This nonlinearity
is caused by excessively negative voltage on Cs inducing
conduction in the pin protection diodes. This badly saturated
signal destroys key gain and introduces a strong thermal
coefficient which can cause 'phantom' detection. The cause of
this is usually from the burst length being too long, the Cs value
being too small, or the X-Y coupling being too large. Solutions
include loosening up the interdigitation of key structures,
separating X and Y lines on the PCB more, increasing Cs, and
decreasing the burst length.
Increasing Cs will make the part slower; decreasing burst
length will make it less sensitive. A better PCB layout and a
looser key structure (up to a point) have no negative effects.
Cs voltages should be observed on an oscilloscope with the
matrix layer bonded to the panel material; if the Rs side of any
Cs ramps more negative than -0.25 volts during any burst (not
counting overshoot spikes which are probe artifacts), there is a
potential saturation problem.
Figure 2-2 shows a defective waveform similar to that of 2-1,
but in this case the distortion is caused by excessive stray
capacitance coupling from the Y line to AC ground, for example
from running too near and too far alongside a ground trace,
ground plane, or other traces. The excess coupling causes the
charge-transfer effect to dissipate a significant portion of the
received charge from a key into the stray capacitance. This
phenomenon is more subtle; it can be best detected by
increasing BL to a high count and watching what the waveform
does as it descends towards and below -0.25V. The waveform
will appear deceptively straight, but it will slowly start to flatten
even before the -0.25V level is reached.
A correct waveform is shown in Figure 2-3. Note that the
bottom edge of the bottom trace is substantially straight
(ignoring the downward spikes).
Unlike other QT circuits, the Cs capacitor values on QT60xx8
devices have no effect on conversion gain. However they do
affect conversion time.
Unused Y lines should be left open.
Figure 2-1 VCs - Non-Linear During Burst
(Burst too long, or Cs too small, or X-Y capacitance too large)
Figure 2-2 VCs - Poor Gain, Non-Linear During Burst
(Excess capacitance from Y line to Gnd)
Figure 2-3 Vcs - Correct
lQ
4
QT60248-AS R4.02/0405
Figure 2-4 X-Drive Pulse Roll-off and Dwell Time
Figure 2-6 Recommended Key Structure
‘T’ should ideally be similar to the complete thickness the fields need to
penetrate to the touch surface. Smaller dimensions will also work but will give
less signal strength. If in doubt, make the pattern coarser.
X drive
Lost charge due to
inadequate settling
before end of dwell time
Dwell time
Y gate
Figure 2-5 Probing X-Drive Waveforms With a Coin
The upper limits of Rx and Ry are reached when the signal
level and hence key sensitivity are clearly reduced. The limits of
Rx and Ry will depending on key geometry and stray
capacitance, and thus an oscilloscope is required to determine
optimum values of both.
The upper limit of Rx can vary depending on key geometry and
stray capacitance, and some experimentation and an
oscilloscope are required to determine optimum values.
Dwell time
is the duration in which charge coupled from X to Y
is captured. Increasing Rx values will cause the leading edge of
the X pulses to increasingly roll off, causing the loss of captured
charge (and hence loss of signal strength) from the keys
(Figure 2-4). The dwell time of these parts is fixed at 375ns. If
the X pulses have not settled within 375ns, key gain will be
reduced; if this happens, either the stray capacitance on the X
line(s) should be reduced (by a layout change, for example by
reducing X line exposure to nearby ground planes or traces), or,
the Rx resistor needs to be reduced in value (or a combination
of both approaches).
Increasing the burst length (BL) parameter will increase the
signal strengths as will increasing the sampling resistor (Rs)
values.
One way to determine X line settling time is to monitor the fields
using a patch of metal foil or a small coin over the key (Figure
2-5). Only one key along a particular X line needs to be
observed, as each of the keys along that X line will be identical.
The 250ns dwell time should be exceed the observed 95%
settling of the X-pulse by 25% or more.
In almost all case, Ry should be set equal to Rx, which will
ensure that the charge on the Y line is fully captured into the Cs
capacitor.
2.8 Matrix Series Resistors
The X and Y matrix scan lines should use series resistors
(referred to as Rx and Ry respectively) for improved EMI
performance.
X drive lines require them in most cases to reduce edge rates
and thus reduce RF emissions. Typical values range from 1K to
20K ohms.
Y lines need them to reduce EMC susceptibility problems and in
some extreme cases, ESD. Typical Y values range around 1K
ohms. Y resistors act to reduce noise susceptibility problems by
forming a natural low-pass filter with the Cs capacitors.
It is essential that the Rx and Ry resistors and Cs capacitors be
placed very close to the chip. Placing these parts more than a
few millimeters away opens the circuit up for high frequency
interference problems (above 20MHz) as the trace lengths
between the components and the chip start to act as RF
antennae.
2.9 Key Design
Circuits can be constructed out of a variety of materials
including flex circuits, FR4, and even inexpensive single-sided
CEM-1.
The actual internal pattern style is not as important as is the
need to achieve regular X and Y widths and spacings of
sufficient size to cover the desired graphical key area or a little
bit more; ~3mm oversize is acceptable in most cases, since the
key’s electric fields drop off near the edges anyway. The overall
key size can range from 10mm x 10mm up to 100mm x 100mm
but these are not hard limits. The keys can be any shape
including round, rectangular, square, etc. The internal pattern
lQ
5
QT60248-AS R4.02/0405