Enhanced MicroTouch EX II 7000 Series USB Touch Controllers from 3M

Published 11th April 2008

Controllers Optimised for HID Interface and MicroTouch MT7 Software

Bracknell, UK, 7 April 2007 – When display integrators or device manufacturers develop interactive touch products, they require electronics engineered to meet their need for fast, accurate and reliable touch response. To help meet these requirements, 3M Touch Systems today introduces two new capacitive touch sensor controllers based on its industry-leading MicroTouch EX II electronics platform.

These new MicroTouch EX II 7000 series USB controllers, when combined with MicroTouch ClearTek II and ToughTouch II capacitive touch sensors from 3M, provide integrators with high-performance, easy-to-integrate touch electronics, as well as featuring enhanced levels of CRFI (Conducted Radio Frequency Immunity), Wake-on-Touch functionality, and increased MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) specifications to greater than 700k hours.

EX II 7000 series USB controllers now offer enhanced CRFI levels to help reduce the chance that other system electronics, communication or power lines will impact the touch system’s performance, and can help product developers shorten their design cycles and create more robust products.

Also, these controllers now support the USB suspend mode which enables wake-on-touch functionality. When a system in suspend mode is activated by a touch, wake-on-touch restores the entire system to full power mode and operation. This enhanced function allows developers to power manage their systems to help customers reduce energy consumption, as well as extend the life of critical system components, such as the LCD backlights.

“As a touch industry leader, 3M is committed to providing customers with the best touch components available in the market,” says Francesco Fasoglio, European Business Manager, 3M Touch Systems. “These enhanced EX II USB controllers make the industry-leading ClearTek II capacitive touch system even more robust and versatile to meet customer needs.”

The specifics on these new MicroTouch 7000 series USB controllers are:
• The EX II 7730HC USB controller features fully-compliant USB HID electronics and firmware, which allow the touch system to be used without installing a touch driver. For customers or applications that do not require the sophisticated touch mode selections and multi-monitor features of the MicroTouch MT7 software package, this HID solution is ideal for easy system integration and maintenance.

• The EX II 7760UC USB controller provides integrators already using MicroTouch EX II electronics with these new robust features and is backward compatible to support existing product lines and programs.

3M Touch Systems provides fast, reliable and accurate touch products to customers worldwide under the MicroTouch brand. Popular interactive applications include casino gaming, retail point of sale, food service, hospitality, self-service, mobile handheld and interactive signage. For more information about MicroTouch products, visit www.3M.com/uk/touch.

A high-resolution photo of the MicroTouch EX II 7000 Series USB controller is available by contacting Jane Kovacs, 3M Public Relations, 512-984-6747, www.3m.com/PressContact

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3M, MicroTouch and ClearTek are trademarks of 3M

About 3M Touch Systems, Inc.
3M Touch Systems Inc., a subsidiary of 3M, operates globally and is part of the 3M Electro & Communication business, headquartered in St. Paul, Minn. For more information please visit www.3M.com/uk/touch.

3M – Practical and ingenious solutions that help customers succeed
3M is a $24.5 billion diversified technology company which, since 1902, has been creating innovative products that help make the world smarter, faster, healthier and safer. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.

3M employs 75,000 people worldwide, producing thousands of innovative products for customers in dozens of diverse markets in some 200 countries. Its 40+ technology platforms touch nearly every aspect of modern life - the company has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention and detection solutions; and its digital signage offerings are revolutionising the way businesses communicate with their customers, their employees and the general public.

The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 4000 people across 18 locations, including 12 manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, occupational health and environmental safety equipment, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings, secure documents and passport scanners.

3M Centre, Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8HT
Tel: 08705 360036

Press contacts:
Francesco Fasoglio Beky Hughes
3M Touch Systems Neesham Public Relations
Tel: + 44 (0) 1344 858576 Tel: +44 (0) 1296 628180
Email: ffasoglio1@mmm.com Email: bekyh@neesham.co.uk