Beyond The Surface: Innovations In Touch Sensor Technology For Enhanced Human-Machine Interfaces

Semiconductor innovation has transformed human-machine interaction (HMI), driving the evolution from mechanical buttons to smart, seamless interfaces. Qorvo’s advanced Force Sensor technology addresses the limitations of early touch systems—such as poor sensitivity, durability issues, and lack of versatility—by enabling high-precision, multi-level touch detection across a wide range of surfaces. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that provide only on/off functionality, Qorvo’s sensors recognize varying levels of force, unlocking new dimensions of usability.

At the heart of Qorvo’s design is an all-silicon solution that integrates a low-noise amplifier and ADC within a miniature package, delivering a tenfold reduction in form factor compared to conventional designs. Leveraging the piezoresistive effect and a full Wheatstone Bridge configuration, Qorvo achieves sensitivity up to 50 times greater than strain gauges while also enhancing temperature compensation and output linearity. These innovations allow accurate force measurement even through harder materials like aluminum or stainless steel, where competitors often struggle.

Qorvo’s sensors excel in both robust industrial settings and consumer devices. Their solid-state design eliminates mechanical wear and moisture vulnerabilities, ensuring long-lasting reliability. Additionally, they operate at extremely low power levels, consuming only microamps—making them suitable as replacements for mechanical power switches.

Applications range from automotive systems, where they meet stringent AEC-Q100 standards, to industrial and consumer products demanding compact, reliable, and highly sensitive interfaces. By merging durability, efficiency, and precision, Qorvo’s Force Sensors enable smarter, more responsive HMI solutions and set new standards for the next generation of touch-enabled technologies.