A sensing controller that can reduce false activations while enabling sealed and metal surface designs across industrial and automotive systems.
TouchNetix has expanded its aXiom portfolio with the AX24A, developed to support up to 22 configurable touch or force buttons in a compact 40 pin QFN package. The device is positioned for applications where reliability, durability and controlled activation are critical.
As touch interfaces increasingly replace mechanical buttons, accidental activation remains a key challenge. By combining touch detection with a defined force threshold, the controller is designed to ensure that inputs are triggered only by deliberate presses. This approach can reduce unintended commands in automotive dashboards, industrial machinery panels and medical equipment interfaces, where safety and precision are essential.
Because the architecture enables force only buttons behind conductive materials such as metal, designers can implement flush and sealed surfaces without mechanical cutouts. This expands possibilities for consumer appliances and automotive interiors seeking sleek, robust designs. Since activation is based on force rather than surface capacitance, performance is not affected by water or fluids, supporting use in harsh or moisture exposed environments such as factory floors.
The elimination of mechanical switches also reduces wear and tear, potentially extending interface lifespan in high use systems including joystick based controls and gaming equipment. Instant haptic feedback support further enhances user interaction without perceptible delay.
The controller integrates haptic and LED feedback options, which can be triggered through macro driven I²C or GPIO sequences. It supports Pilot ID functionality for user differentiation and added interface control. Designers can configure buttons individually or link them logically using guard channels or one hot group configurations. The sensing system detects micron level changes in applied force from 20 grams to 20 kilograms, maintaining a linear response profile suitable for precision control applications.
