Freescale Semiconductor announced a solution that combines gesture recognition on resistive screen technology and capacitive touch sensing in a single integrated circuit. This addition to the Xtrinsic sensing portfolio is ideal for applications involving control panels, human machine interface (HMI), keyboard replacement, automotive, point of sale terminals, signature capture devices and kiosks. In addition the platform adds gesture recognition to resistive screens for markets and situations in which capacitive screens are not a viable option.

Its capability allows the detection of different gestures, such as slide, touch rotate and two pinch for zooming in and out. Resistive touch screens are also a good alternative when the use of gloves is necessary due to medical, weather or security reasons. The touch sensing platform expands Freescale’s Ready Play solutions portfolio. Freescale Ready Play solutions integrate certified application functionality.

The platform enables the addition of up to four capacitive electrodes to a customer’s system – all packaged in a 5mm x 5 mm, 32-pin QFN. The platform includes standard X-Y resistive touch screen detection with optional calibration and pressure detection on resistive screens. Gesture detection includes slide, two-touch pinch and expand, and two-touch rotate with four capacitive electrodes independent from the touch screen utilizing I2C and UART communications protocols, as well as a user-configurable screen resolution.

Pricing and availability

The touch sensing platform (CRTouch) will be included in the Tower System LCD development board, enabling advanced capabilities throughout the Freescale portfolio. Sample quantities of the development board are planned for Q1 2012 at $85 (USD). Linux and Android drivers will be available online, along with a complimentary demo graphic user interface (GUI) and Freescale’s PEG graphic library examples.