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“TP223” is commonly written as TTP223 in the manufacturer’s product information and datasheet. Tontek identifies the TTP223-BA6 as a one-key capacitive touch controller that detects a touch and reports it as an electrical output. A bare chip and a ready-to-wire breakout module are different things, and boards sold under similar names can have different settings. For a beginner project, look for a TTP223 capacitive touch sensor module, then check its pin labels, supply requirements and output behavior.
What does “TP223” refer to?
The manufacturer, Tontek Design Technology Ltd, identifies the part as TTP223-BA6; the TTP223 datasheet describes a touch-pad detector IC intended to replace a directly operated button key. “TP223” in a title or listing appears to be a spelling variation, but that alone does not establish that every product labeled TP223 is the same chip or board. Confirm the exact part and board documentation before wiring it.
How capacitive touch detection works
A conductive sensing pad is connected to the controller’s touch input. A finger near or on the pad changes the electrical capacitance measured at that input. The IC detects the change and signals the event through an output pin. The output is digital, so a microcontroller can read it much like a button input; the sensor does the touch detection rather than requiring the controller to measure capacitance directly.
Bare TTP223 IC or breakout module?
| Part | What it includes | What you need to use it |
|---|---|---|
| TTP223-BA6 IC | The touch-detector chip itself. | A circuit, a sensing electrode and appropriate connections. The IC’s supply range and configuration options are documented by Tontek in its datasheet. |
| TTP223B touch sensor module | A board built around a touch sensor, commonly exposing power, ground and a digital signal connection. Pin labels and board options depend on the specific implementation. | Wiring to a compatible power source and controller input; verify the board’s labels, supply limits and output behavior. See the module descriptions from DigiKey and ShillehTek. |
A breakout is usually the simpler parts-list choice for a first project. Do not infer the module’s exact pinout, added circuitry or power use solely from the IC’s name.
#1 Best Overall
- The module is based on a touch-sensing IC TTP223 capacitive touch switch module, it allows you to avoid the trouble of conventional push-type buttons.
- Size: 15*11mm
- Modes: jog, self-locking
- Power Supply: 2.5V-5.5V
- Package Include: 20PCS TTP223 Capacitive Touch Switch Sensor
How to connect a module to a microcontroller
Many TTP223B modules provide power, ground and signal pins. Connect the module’s power and ground as its documentation specifies, then connect signal to a digital input. The DigiKey module guide describes this kind of integration; use the instructions for your particular board rather than assuming every module has the same pin order.
- Match voltage limits: the documented IC supply is 2.0–5.5 V, but a module’s usable supply and signal voltage depend on its design. Check both the board documentation and the target microcontroller’s allowed input voltage.
- Check signal meaning: determine whether the output goes high or low on touch before writing code or choosing a pull-up/pull-down arrangement.
- Use the board markings: identify power, ground and signal from the actual board or its manual, not from a presumed universal layout.
The chip-level supply range is not a blanket guarantee that any module can be powered at every voltage in that range, or that its output is safe for every controller.
Rank #2
- Capacitive type touch switch module The module is based on a touch detection IC (TTP223B)'s. Under normal conditions, the module output low, low-power mode to mode; touch of a finger when the corresponding position, the module will output high, the mode is switched to fast mode; when for 12 seconds without touching, the mode and switch to low power mode.
- For Jog type: the initial state is low, high touch, do not touch is low (similar touch of a button feature)
- Power supply for 2 ~ 5.5V DC
- Control Interface: A total of three pins (GND, VCC, SIG), GND to ground, VCC is the power supply, SIG digital signal output pin;
- Power Indicator: Green LED, power on the right that is shiny;
Direct and toggle behavior, and output polarity
The TTP223 supports configuration choices that affect what a controller sees. In direct (momentary) mode, the output reflects the touch state: it is asserted while the pad is touched and returns when released. In toggle (latching) mode, a touch changes the output state, which remains changed until another touch. Output polarity can also be active-high or active-low: an active-high signal is asserted at a high logic level, while an active-low signal is asserted low.
On modules, solder bridges or jumpers may select these options, but defaults and implementation vary. Inspect the board markings and its own documentation; do not assume that two modules with similar TTP223B names behave alike. The manufacturer’s datasheet describes IC configuration options, while the ShillehTek module manual illustrates why board-level details should be checked separately.
Rank #3
- 【PACK OF 12 MODULES】12 TTP223 touch sensor modules for prototyping, repairs, or multiple projects — suitable for hobbyists, makers, and educators.
- 【GOLD EDITION ENIG FINISH】Immersion gold (ENIG) plating for good conductivity and corrosion resistance. Lead-free, RoHS-compliant manufacturing.
- 【WIDE VOLTAGE COMPATIBILITY】Supports both 3.3V and 5V MCU systems — works with Raspberry Pi Pico, ESP32, ESP32-S3, and other microcontroller projects.
- 【CAPACITIVE TOUCH SENSITIVITY】Single-channel TTP223 IC for touch detection — replaces mechanical buttons in IoT devices, smart switches, lamps, and interactive electronics.
- 【EASY INTEGRATION】Compact size with clear pinouts (VCC, GND, I/O) and low power consumption for DIY applications.
Sensitivity, current and timing figures
The figures below describe the TTP223 IC, not guaranteed measurements for a complete breakout board. Module indicators or other circuitry can add load or affect behavior.
- Supply: 2.0–5.5 V, listed by Tontek and corroborated in the datasheet.
- Typical operating current: 1.5 µA at 3 V, according to Tontek’s product information. This is a chip specification, not a promise about a module’s total current draw.
- External sensitivity adjustment: the datasheet permits a 0–50 pF external capacitor. A smaller capacitance raises sensitivity; a larger one lowers it. This is a circuit-design option, not necessarily an accessible control on an assembled board.
- Response time: at 3 V, the datasheet gives approximate maximum response times of 60 ms in fast mode and 220 ms in low-power mode.
- Startup and recalibration: the Version 1.0 datasheet, dated 2008-04-07, describes about 0.5 seconds for power-on stabilization and about 4 seconds for recalibration when the pad is not touched.
The response, stabilization and recalibration figures are datasheet conditions for the IC; they are not independent measurements of every module or a guarantee of the timing in a particular installation.
Rank #4
- 100pcs TTP223 Capacitive Switch Button Module Self-Lock Switch Button Module High Low Level Output
- TTP223 Capacitive Switch Button Module
- The power supply of the TTP223 touch switch button module is 2.5 to 5.5V.
- These TTP223 touch switch button modules are made of CCL with premium quality and long service life.
Troubleshooting unexpected output
The controller reads the opposite logic level
Check whether the module is configured for active-high or active-low output. Adjust the input logic in your program or change the board configuration if the module provides a documented selector.
The output stays on or changes state unexpectedly
Check whether the board is set for toggle rather than direct behavior, or vice versa. Confirm the mode using the board’s markings and documentation before changing wiring or code.
Best Value
- This is the "momentary" variety of the touch sensor - touch and it turns on, release and it turns off.
- Positive and negative can be used as a touch surface,can replace the traditional touch button.
- Four M2 screws positioning holes for easy installation.Module can be installed in such as surface plastic, glass of non-metallic materials.
- In addition to the thin paper ( non-metallic ) covering the surface of the module , as long as the correct location of the touch , you can make hidden in the walls, desktops and other parts of buttons.
- The module is based on a touch-sensing IC (TTP223B) capacitive touch switch module. In the normal state, the module output low, low power consumption; When a finger touches the corresponding position, the module output high, if not touched for 12 seconds, switch to low-power mode.
The module does not work with the controller
Verify the module’s supply requirements and signal voltage against the controller’s input limits. The IC’s 2.0–5.5 V supply specification does not by itself establish the complete module’s safe input or output levels.
The pinout does not match an example
An example for a breakout module is not an IC pinout. Read the board’s own labels or manual; if using the bare TTP223-BA6, follow the manufacturer’s circuit and pin information in its datasheet.
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