mTouch is a sensing solution based on the principle of capacitance change provided by Microchip Technology.

The capacitance changes when the user brings their finger closer to the sensing pad. A PIC microcomputer detects this change and realizes a capacitive touch sensor.

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Generic system diagram for capacitive touch design with PIC MCU

When realizing a capacitive sensor, we will implement mTouch using ADC and software. This feature is open source and there is no license fee for using Microchip Technology's mTouch.

for that reason,

  • I want to realize a switch that emphasizes design
  • I want to realize a dustproof switch
  • I want to improve waterproofness
  • Achieving intuitive operability
  • I want to improve maintainability
  • I want to realize it at the lowest possible cost


It is ideal for applications such as
Here we will discuss the low-cost PIC microcontroller PIC16F1503 and DM164137 development board.

DM164137 development board for easy mTouch development

DM164137 development board is a development board that can develop low cost 8bit microcomputer PIC16F1503. The mTouch button is wired on the DM164137 development board, making it easy to implement a touch sensor.
In addition,

  • LED
  • potentiometer
  • RN4020 Bluetooth Module Footprint
  • mikroBus Heade


It is equipped with interfaces such as PIC16F1503 so that you can immediately evaluate it.

How to quickly realize a touch sensor in 3 steps

With the PIC16F1503 microcontroller and DM164137 development board, the touch sensor can be realized in the following three steps.

Step 1. Prepare and connect your equipment

The PIC16F1503 MCU and DM164137 development board are designed for easy implementation.

Step 2. Prepare your development software

All development environments for the PIC16F1503 microcontroller can be used free of charge.
Install MPLAB X IDE, an integrated development environment that can be downloaded and used from the Microchip Technology website.

Step 3. Evaluate the touch sensor with reference to the sample program

A touch sensor can be implemented by implementing the mTouch program according to the procedure in the link below.
Curiosity Development Board Example

You can evaluate the touch sensor by running the program.

Application example

  • illumination
  • coffee maker
  • Automatic door
  • Home appliances
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Application example

Product Summary

Type name PIC16F1503
Features
  • 8bit RISC CPU
  • 2.3~5.5v (power supply voltage)
  • 10bit ADC
  • DAC
  • 2 comparators

Type name DM164137
Features
  • Integrated programmer/debugger with USB interface
  • 20, 14, and 8 pin support
  • Ships with PIC16F1619
  • RN-4020 footprint
  • Various user interface options - mTouch buttons, analog potentiometers, and physical switches
  • Mikrobus™ support add-on boards with over 100 MikroElectronika Click™ available



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Click here to purchase products

DM164137
PIC16F1503

Manufacturer site/Other related links

DM164137 Product Information
PIC16F1503 Product Information
MPLAB® X Product Information
Acquisition Method for mTouch Sensing Solutions: Capacitive Voltage Divider

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