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MSP430FR2633: ATE simulated input of capacitive touch button press

Part Number: MSP430FR2633

I'd like to connect product electronics to ATE (automated test equipment), then programmatically input simulated button press at the capacitive touch terminals. How would you advise designing the ATE interface circuitry? 

  • It sounds like you are looking for a way to automate a simulated finger touch to test capacitive inputs on your product.

    Here is a link to a document that describes a few ways to create a finger probe.

    Another method is to use conductive rubber (see document link above on conductive rubber details).

    You can use metal such as a copper slug but we found the best coupling isn't as good as the other artificial finger materials that are flexible

    Here is a link to a company that makes finger probes.

    Now for some fun.  The next part is a bit overkill for what you need, but check it out.

    At TI we have experimented with another method using un-flavored gelatin, glycerin with water to create the finger.  You also need some soft molding compound to create the mold which is readily available in art/craft stores on the web.  Attached is a ppt with the recipe (note: the 4tbsp used in the recipe is a lot.  We found the 1:1:1 tbs ratio to create enough material for one finger).  We have experimented by making several different ones.  Quite fun actually.  If you have kids, they will enjoy this as well (and it's safe).

    Here is the molding compound we used (Poly Plastics from Amazon) or hobby store.  

    Here is best video I found on how to do it.

    This method makes it possible to create small and large fingers and test both.

    Attached below is a pdf with more information.

    In any case, which ever method you choose, connect your probe to earth ground through a 1M ohm resistor.


    finger_probes.pdf

  • It's been a while since we have heard from you, so I'm going to assume you were able to move forward with your project.
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