Fujitsu expands line of 8-bit microcontrollers to include products with built-in touch sensor

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Fujitsu Semiconductor Ltd on Wednesday announced the addition of new products with touch sensor and controller functionality to its New 8FX family of high-performance 8-bit microcontrollers. These new products include two products from the 48-pin MB95870 Series, one product from the 32-pin MB95860 Series, and two products from the 24-pin MB95850 Series. At the initial stage, Fujitsu will begin shipping sample quantities of products in the MB95870 Series starting today.

The MB95870 Series, MB95860 Series, and MB95850 Series are being offered as low-cost, low-power microcontroller options for controlling the touch keys and touch panels used in a wide range of equipment, such as worldwide home electronics, office automation equipment, and digital equipment.

Touch sensor technology has traditionally been used in such applications as bank ATMs, automated ticket machines in train stations and restaurants, and also in office automation equipment, such as copiers and printers. In recent years, however, touch sensor technology has experienced rapid growth accompanying the spread of touch key and touch panel applications in household electronics, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines.

When compared to mechanical switches or resistive film touch key technology, capacitive touch key technology not only achieves smoother operation, but is also more resistant to dust, moisture, and wear. This array of features has made the capacitive method the preferred choice in touch-key technology. As the marketplace for touch key and touch panel technology expands, the demand for touch sensors and controllers that govern their operations is also increasing.

Furthermore, because of this widespread expansion, there is a strong demand for the microcontrollers for such systems to be equipped with touch sensor and controller functionality.