USB-native resistive touch controller — 10-bit, 3.3V to 5V
The AR1100BRD is a dedicated controller IC for 4-, 5-, or 8-wire resistive touchscreens, communicating over USB. No separate UART or SPI bridge is needed — the USB interface connects directly to a host processor's USB port, which simplifies the BOM for embedded HMI panels, point-of-sale terminals, or industrial keypads. Resolution is 10 bits, yielding 1024 × 1024 touch coordinates — adequate for finger-driven interfaces and stylus input on screens up to about 10 inches. The supply range of 3.3V to 5V covers both modern 3.3V logic rails and legacy 5V systems without a level shifter. Active supply current is 25 mA — a USB bus-powered design can budget this alongside the touchscreen backlight and still stay within the 500 mA limit of a standard USB 2.0 port.
Module package — what it means for the board
The AR1100BRD ships in a Module package, which in Microchip's mTouch™ line is a pre-assembled PCB module with the controller IC, support passives, and the USB connector integrated. This means the board-level footprint is larger than a bare IC but eliminates the need for external decoupling, crystal, or USB termination components — a faster path to a working touch interface. Operating temperature range is -25°C to 85°C — suitable for commercial and light industrial environments but not for extended outdoor or under-hood automotive use. The external voltage reference requirement means the touch coordinate accuracy depends on the stability of the reference supplied on the module or at the board level.