Microchip Introduces its First Turnkey Touch Controllers for Buttons, Sliders and Wheels with Parallel Sensing

Both controllers are available, with starting prices quoted for 10,000-unit quantities.

Rhea-AI Summary

Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has launched MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P turnkey touch controllers with parallel sensing for buttons, sliders and wheels.

The devices acquire data from multiple sensors simultaneously for interfaces, including those without displays. Microchip says they are designed to reduce system cost and design complexity. They support customer-driven IEC 60730 Class B functional safety certification; this is not an announcement of completed certification. The MTCH3380P starts at $1.06 and the MTCH3240P starts at $0.80 each, in 10,000-unit quantities.

Positive

• Minor pointNew controllers are available: MTCH3380P starting at $1.06 and MTCH3240P at $0.80 each in 10,000-unit quantities.

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

MTCH3380P starting price: $1.06 each MTCH3240P starting price: $0.80 each MTCH3380P sensor support: Up to 38 self-capacitance sensors; 64 mutual-capacitance sensors +3 more

MTCH3380P starting price

$1.06 each

10,000-unit quantities

MTCH3240P starting price

$0.80 each

10,000-unit quantities

MTCH3380P sensor support

Up to 38 self-capacitance sensors; 64 mutual-capacitance sensors

Sensor capacity by sensing mode

MTCH3240P sensor support

Up to 24 self-capacitance sensors; 32 mutual-capacitance sensors

Sensor capacity by sensing mode

Parallel analog-to-digital converters

12

On-chip converters operating in parallel

Operating temperature

Up to 105°C

Supported operating temperature

Key Terms

signal-to-noise ratio, analog-to-digital converters, self-capacitance, mutual-capacitance

4 terms

signal-to-noise ratio technical

"a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and reliable touch detection"

The signal-to-noise ratio measures how much useful information (the signal) stands out from irrelevant or random data (the noise). For investors, a high ratio means price moves, earnings reports or research reliably reflect real value or trends, while a low ratio means it's harder to separate meaningful signals from meaningless fluctuations—like trying to hear a single voice in a crowded room or tune a radio to a clear station, which affects confidence in decisions.

analog-to-digital converters technical

"12 on-chip analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) operating in parallel"

An analog-to-digital converter is an electronic component that turns continuous real-world signals — like sound, light or electrical voltages — into numbers a computer can read, much like converting a smooth landscape into a grid of pixels. Investors care because the converter’s accuracy, speed and power use directly affect product performance, cost and differentiation across many industries (consumer electronics, medical devices, industrial sensors), influencing sales, margins and competitive position.

self-capacitance technical

"supports up to 38 sensors in self-capacitance mode"

Self-capacitance is the electrical property of a single conductor or electrode that describes how much electric charge it can hold relative to a reference such as ground when a voltage is applied. In practice for touch and sensing systems, it means measuring the change in that electrode’s charge storage caused by a nearby object (for example a finger) — the signal comes from the electrode’s interaction with the environment rather than from coupling between two electrodes. Unlike mutual-capacitance (which measures coupling between pairs of electrodes and supports reliable multi-touch detection), self-capacitance is simple and sensitive but can be more prone to false touches and has limitations when distinguishing simultaneous touches.

mutual-capacitance technical

"64 sensors in mutual-capacitance mode"

Mutual-capacitance is the electrical coupling between two separate conductors or electrodes, measured as the amount of charge one stores in response to a voltage on the other. In capacitive touch-sensing systems it is the basis for detecting a touch: a grid of transmit and receive electrodes forms many mutual-capacitance junctions, and a finger changes the coupling at the touched junctions so the controller can locate touch position. It differs from self-capacitance, which measures each electrode’s capacitance to ground rather than the coupling between pairs of electrodes.

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MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P controllers enable fast touch acquisition and robust performance for complex interfaces, including display-free applications

CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As appliance and equipment manufacturers look for ways to reduce system costs, many are replacing displays with Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) using high-end decoration and illuminated capacitive-touch buttons, sliders and wheels. These interfaces often require a large number of touch sensors which can increase acquisition time and reduce the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) when using conventional controllers. To address these challenges, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has expanded its turnkey capacitive-touch family with the launch of MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P controllers, helping manufacturers create visually appealing, display-free HMIs at lower system cost and with less design complexity. The first in Microchip’s touch turnkey controller portfolio to incorporate parallel sensing for buttons, sliders and wheels, the devices support IEC/UL 60730 Class B functional safety certification and operation up to 105°C, making them well suited for home appliance, outdoor and industrial applications.

By acquiring data from multiple sensors simultaneously, the MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P can support a large number of buttons, sliders and wheels while maintaining fast response times, a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and reliable touch detection in noisy operating environments. This performance is enabled by 12 on-chip analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) operating in parallel. The MTCH3380P supports up to 38 sensors in self-capacitance mode and 64 sensors in mutual-capacitance mode, while the MTCH3240P supports up to 24 and 32 sensors, respectively, without the acquisition-time penalties often associated with high sensor counts.

Enhanced touch sensitivity and noise immunity enable reliable touch detection through thick cover materials and when users are wearing gloves. These capabilities are especially valuable in-home appliances such as ovens, cooktops, refrigerators and washing machines, where moisture and gloved operation are common, as well as in outdoor applications including EV chargers, parking meters and kiosks that require durable protective covers and dependable operation in cold-weather conditions.

"Manufacturers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce system cost while still delivering intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces. As display-free HMIs incorporate more touch controls, maintaining responsive and reliable touch performance becomes increasingly challenging," said Giovanni Fontana, senior director of Microchip’s human machine interface division. “Our MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P controllers address the touch-sensing challenges associated with display-free interfaces by delivering fast touch acquisition and high signal-to-noise ratio, helping enable responsive, reliable operation even in demanding applications."

With support for customer driven IEC 60730 Class B functional safety certification, the MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P devices help manufacturers work towards meeting regulatory requirements. Microchip's touch-sensing ecosystem and turnkey controllers are designed to provide the hardware, software and development resources needed to accelerate design, evaluation and testing. Support includes the mTouch® Studio development environment and evaluation hardware, including host drivers for Linux® and Zephyr®. Visit the website for information about Microchip’s portfolio of turnkey capacitive-touch controllers.

Pricing and Availability
The MTCH3380P is available starting at $1.06 with the MTCH3240P available starting at $0.80 each in 10,000-unit quantities. You can purchase directly from Microchip or contact a Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.

Resources
High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):
• Application image: https://flic.kr/p/2sC7GpT

About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is a broadline supplier of semiconductors committed to making innovative design easier through total system solutions that address critical challenges at the intersection of emerging technologies and durable end markets. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio supports customers throughout the design process, from concept to completion. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support and delivers solutions across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com. 

Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, MPLAB and mTouch are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Editorial Contact:

Amber Liptai

480-792-5047

amber.liptai@microchip.com

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

How much do Microchip's MTCH3380P and MTCH3240P touch controllers cost?

The MTCH3380P is available starting at $1.06, while the MTCH3240P starts at $0.80 each, in 10,000-unit quantities.