Capacitive Touch Sensor Solutions

As the adoption of capacitive touch interfaces expands rapidly, the use of conventional mechanical keys with limited functions are effectively being replaced. Panels with user-friendly designs can be operated using actions such as finger touches and swipe motions. Capacitive touch technology allows even devices designed for complex and highly skilled operations to be controlled with intuitive finger movements.

As the capacitive touch operation scene expands, panel sensitivity and high-noise resistance have become key requirements in achieving accurate switching movements and sophisticated operational performance. There is also a demand for features involving environmental tolerance to water, dirt or temperature variations. In addition to these requirements, development periods and costs are also hurdles that need to be considered and overcome.

Renesas offers revolutionary design to switching devices and equipment with our 2nd generation capacitive touch solution that enables a user-friendly environment to support manufacturing processes and lowers hurdles in capacitive touch sensor development.

Development environment

Capacitive Touch Evaluation System for RA2L1

The RA2L1 capacitive touch evaluation system makes it easy for users to evaluate touch solutions offered by Renesas. You can start evaluating immediately out of the box using the board and software included in each kit.

Capacitive Touch Evaluation System for RA6M2

The RA6M2 capacitive touch evaluation system makes it easy for users to evaluate touch solutions offered by Renesas. You can start evaluating immediately out of the box using the board and software included in each kit.

RX231 HMI Solution Kit

This human machine interface (HMI) solution kit is mounted with an LCD segment display circuit, sound reproducing circuit, capacitive touch circuit, etc. It can facilitate the development and evaluation of HMI and USB-applied products such as electric home appliances and healthcare products with built-in communication functions.

RX130 Capacitive Touch Evaluation System

The RX130 Capacitive Touch Evaluation System is designed for easy evaluation of capacitive touch solutions offered by Renesas. With this system, evaluation may be conducted immediately after purchase, as the board and software are included in the kit.

Capacitive Touch Development Tool: QE for Capacitive Touch

QE for Capacitive Touch makes it easy to adjust the sensitivity of the touch buttons that are necessary for embedded system development that uses capacitive touch technology, shortening time to market. This tool supports the RX Family of 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs).

Product Functions & Features

Easily incorporate touch button drivers into a program via a graphical user interface (GUI)
Easily adjust touch buttons in sequence using workflows
Graphical display of the touch interface configuration enables easy visualization
Even a large number of touch buttons can be automatically tuned quickly, improving development efficiency
Apply program modifications with the push of a single button
Monitoring function makes it easy to check and fine tune touch button operation
e² studio integrated development environment integration* allows all work to be done from e² studio

QE for Capacitive Touch is a plug-in for e² studio. The plug-in must be downloaded from the website and installed.

Main/Sensor Tuner View

Board Monitor View

Status Chart View

Reference Design

Touchless Button Reference Design

The touchless button reference design applies Renesas capacitive solutions to detect approaching fingers and hands without physical contact. Two types of reference design, Demo solution and electrode boards are available.

capacitive sensor application reference design touchless button solution reference design

Touch-Free User Interface Reference Design

The 3D gesture demo applies Renesas' capacitive touch solution to realize an HMI that detects gesture motions (up and down, left and right, and forward and back) of a hand in a three-dimensional space. A standard version (160mm sq.) and small version (80mm sq.) are available.