Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, announced it has signed Demmel AG as a mTouch Sensing Design Partner Specialist. Demmels expertise in human-interface products is an ideal match for Microchips metal over capacitive touch-sensing technology, which enables robust medical and home appliance designs with a metal overlay that works even in the presence of liquids, or when the user is wearing gloves.

Demmel has extensive experience in manufacturing and industrial design, coupled with an in-depth knowledge of mechanical and embedded electronics. The company can provide customers with a full turnkey touch-sensing solution, including plastic or metal finishes. Demmels MetalLight system uses mTouch metal over capacitive touch-sensing technology on a high-quality metal front panel, with illuminated symbols that include touch-switch functionality. A new printing and sputtering method allows laser-cut or etched symbols to be filled with transparent or pigmented plastics, assuring uniform and bright illumination of even very small symbols. Demmel MetalLight technology also enables a combination of different plastics and LED colors, providing an infinite variance of illumination.

“Demmels experience and disciplined design process will enable our customers to get to market with confidence, knowing they are working with a qualified mTouch sensing design partner specialist,” said Fanie Duvenhage, director of Microchips Human-Machine Interface Division. “Demmel is an ideal solution provider for customers looking to implement a design using Microchips metal over capacitive touch-sensing technology.”

“We are thrilled to be part of Microchips selective mTouch sensing design partner specialist group,” said Marcus Riegger, product manager for Demmels Human-Machine Interface Business Unit. “Microchips mTouch metal over capacitive touch-sensing technology enables us to provide our customers with robust and completely customized capacitive-control panels and keypads, including electronics and interface solutions.”