In our previous post and recent webinar explored quick water detection solutions. Now, let’s take it a step further, because not all liquids are the same, and not all applications can afford extra components, complex firmware, or constant power draw.
That’s where the MTCH9010 comes in.
Key Challenges with Liquid Detection
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Different liquid properties- Conductive liquids (water, electrolytes) vs. non-conductive liquids (oils, fuels, alcohols) typically require different sensing methods.
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System overhead -Traditional solutions often need external circuitry, calibration, or custom firmware.
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Power consumption - Many sensors continuously draw current, limiting use in battery-powered or remote systems.
MTCH9010 Overview
The MTCH9010 is a turnkey liquid detection IC that integrates both sensing approaches in one device:
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Capacitive mode for non-conductive liquids (oils, fuels, alcohols)
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Conductive mode for ionic liquids (water, coolants, cleaning agents)
Mode selection is handled through a simple pin connection, no separate sensors required.
Output Options
The device supports different integration levels:
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Digital output - High/low signal for straightforward leak detection
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UART output - Real-time monitoring and diagnostics (e.g., liquid properties, sensor health)
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Heartbeat pin - Confirms sensor operation and helps identify system faults
Power Efficiency
Designed for low-power systems:
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Sleep current down to 1 µA
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Configurable sleep period (1-256s) for adjustable detection intervals
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Wake-on-request mode for event-driven operation
This makes it well-suited for long-term, battery-powered applications such as IoT nodes or wireless leak sensors.
Example Applications
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Home appliances: Leak detection in washing machines, water heaters, dishwashers
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Industrial systems: Monitoring pipelines, tanks, or process equipment for fluid presence
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Medical devices: Detecting fluid flow or blockages in IV lines or dialysis systems
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Remote sensing: Smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, outdoor equipment
By combining capacitive and conductive sensing in a single, low-power IC, the MTCH9010 simplifies liquid detection across diverse use cases. It removes the need for external components or firmware, while still offering flexibility through digital and UART outputs.
Helpful resources:
Capacitive Touch Sensor Design Guide
Getting started with MTCH9010 application note