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HOME / PRODUCT CATEGORIES / CAPACITIVE / SPARKFUN CAPACITIVE TOUCH BREAKOUT - AT42QT1011
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SparkFun Capacitive Touch Breakout -
AT42QT1011
SEN-14520 ROHS
6
DESCRIPTION DOCUMENTS
If you need to add user input without using a button, then a capacitive touch
interface might be the answer. The AT42QT1011 SparkFun Capacitive Touch
Breakout offers a single, momentary capacitive touch button with easy-to-use
digital I/O pins.
The AT42QT1011 is a dedicated, single-button capacitive sense chip. The chip
handles monitoring a conductive area for touch. As long as a touch (e.g., from a
finger) is detected, the AT42QT1011 keeps the output line high. Otherwise, the
line is kept low. You just need to provide a power source (1.8V--5V) and ground
for the AT42QT1011 to work. Additionally, a PAD pin is available if you would like
to create your own external electrode.
Unlike its sibling, the AT42QT1011 does not have an internal time-out, meaning
that if you hold your finger to the breakout’s pad for any length of time, it will
stay on. The difference between the AT42QT1010 and the AT42QT1011 is
small but may be a game changer depending on your project’s uses.
GET STARTED WITH THE AT42QT101X CAPACITIVE TOUCH GUIDE
Tags
AT42QT1011 BREAKOUT CAPACITIVE SENSOR TOUCH
SparkFun Capacitive Touch Breakout - AT42QT1011 Product Help and Resources
TUTORIALS VIDEOS SKILLS NEEDED
AT42QT101X Capacitive
Touch Breakout Hookup
Guide
JANUARY 25, 2018
Learn how to use the simple
SparkFun AT42QT1010 and
AT42QT1011 capacitive touch
breakout boards.
Interactive 3D Printed LED
Diamond Prop
APRIL 19, 2018
In this tutorial, we will learn about
how to create an interactive
theatrical prop for a performance
by 3D printing a translucent
diamond prop using a non-
addressable RGB LED strip and
AT42QT1011 capacitive touch
sensing.
Customer Reviews
COMMENTS 3REVIEWS 6
4.3 out of 5
Based on 6 ratings:
It works very well in my application
about 2 years ago by Member #293611 verified purchaser
The AT42QT1011 worked right out of the box hooking up +5 volts and ground. Bringing the finger close to the
button triggered the LED on as expected. My application employs a PIC microcontroller programmed in
assembly language. Most of the time the PIC stayed triggered while the finger was held on the button. Once in
a while it would drop out. I investigated the output of the breakout with an oscilloscope and found periodically a
downward spike lasting about 16 microseconds. In looking at the datasheet I discovered that device has a
HeartBeat “health” indicator superimposed on the its output. This puts the output into a three-state mode for
15 microseconds periodically. The breakout circuit must pull this line down to +0.6 volts during the three-state
mode. This will not cause any problems in most applications and once we know about it we can work around it
if we have to. It was an interesting investigation and it helped me to learn more about the chip. I have
oscilloscope pictures if interested.
It works as advertised and the low cost is great
about 2 years ago by Member #653742 verified purchaser
I needed something to replace a push button switch on my new project. This item exceeded my expectations,
because it can detect a light finger tap through a plastic case, which simplifies my design. Thanks to the small
size, it fits inside the existing case, and the low cost makes it possible to replicate the project and sell it at a
profit.
Easy to use, responsive, well-built and sexy!
about 2 years ago by Member #1269173 verified purchaser
This capacitive touch breakout is awesome. Dead-simple to use, looks amazing and with the ability to work
through thin layers of plastics, the perfect addition to your next project. You're going to want more than one.
Do yourself a favor and buy at least 3 of these guys.
no title
about 2 years ago by Member #1128258 verified purchaser
works as advertised, well made, great instructions
Sensor completely inaccurate. Constant Phantom Signals
about a year ago by Member #1399338 verified purchaser
This sensor is giving me many problems, many because of its irregularity in the signal. It constantly shows
phantom signals, which makes it almost useless. I do not understand how they can sell a button so badly
designed or at least provide a solution!. Would you be interested in oscilloscope readings, could you share
them here with a link? Thank you!
CF replied on September 25, 2018:
Hello and thank you for your review. We have found these boards to be very reliable and it's possible
that something in your setup or the board itself may have an issue. Please contact our support team for
assistance with your troubles and they will be happy to help you.
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SparkFun Electronics ® / 6333 Dry Creek Parkway, Niwot, Colorado 80503
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Works great to sense occupancy in a seat through ~2mm of plastic
about a year ago by Member #454028 verified purchaser
Have been using this sensor to detect the presence of an occupant sitting in a chair. The sensor is placed
beneath the seat so is invisible to the occupant. It has been working reliably as specified. I first purchased a
similar sensor from Adafruit... unfortunately this was the AT42QT1010 (not the 1011 like this one). The 1010 is
designed to reset its zero after ~60 seconds of continuous "presence". This doesn't work for my application, as
an occupant may remain for more than 60s. This product (the AT42QT1011) states in the datasheet that it
doesn't have this feature, and indeed, it has been working perfectly for the last few weeks in my application.
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