Firmware eases capacitative sensing design

STMicroelectronics offers the second-generation of its STMTouch capacitive touch-sensing firmware library. The updated version lets designers add advanced user-interface features to 8bit STM8 applications .

The firmware now supports over 200 STM8 part numbers, including the advanced STM8S family and the STM8L, featuring ultra low-power EnergyLite technology. Another new feature is support for touch detection via charge-transfer, which delivers high sensitivity and robustness. At the same time, simultaneous channel acquisition reduces CPU usage to help designers optimize application features and power consumption. The library also provides improved wheel and slider controls that feature 256-level resolution.

The STM8 touch sensing firmware library features:
-Complete library with acquisition, post processing and API layers
-C source code provided
-Up to 24 keys and two wheels/sliders supported
-Support for both charge-transfer and RC-timing touch detection
-Enhanced processing features for optimized sensitivity and immunity
-Active shield feature
-Automatic calibration software
-Built-in compensation of environmental fluctuations

The STMT/8L-EV1 evaluation board for touch development on STM8L MCUs is priced at $49. The STM8/128-EV/TS supporting the STM8S family is available for $179.