# MTCH9010: Smarter, Simpler Liquid Detection

**URL:** <https://forum.digikey.com/t/mtch9010-smarter-simpler-liquid-detection/60429>\
**Category:** Development Boards, Kits, Programmers\
**Tags:** microchip-technology, evaluation-boards, tech-tips\
**Created:** [September 19, 2025, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.digikey.com/t/mtch9010-smarter-simpler-liquid-detection/60429 "2025-09-19T18:31:28Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![MCHP\_MCU](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/278dde/32.png) [@MCHP\_MCU](https://forum.digikey.com/u/MCHP_MCU)\
**Post date:** [September 19, 2025, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.digikey.com/t/mtch9010-smarter-simpler-liquid-detection/60429/1 "2025-09-19T18:31:28Z")

</div>

In our [previous post](https://forum.digikey.com/t/how-to-detect-water-in-under-a-minute/58810) and [recent webinar](https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5010452/9E5D14CCD113499441E8914E5D3E7D28?partnerref=webpg) 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](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/microchip-technology/EV24U22A/26814295?_gl=1*jvr4m4*_gcl_au*Nzc2ODQ0NzI5LjE3NTMzMTExNTM.) comes in.

### Key Challenges with Liquid Detection

- **Different liquid properties** - Conductive liquids (water, electrolytes) vs. non-conductive liquids (oils, fuels, alcohols) typically require different sensing methods.

- **System overhead** -Traditional solutions often need external circuitry, calibration, or custom firmware.

- **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:

- **Capacitive mode** for non-conductive liquids (oils, fuels, alcohols)

- **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:

- **Digital output** - High/low signal for straightforward leak detection

- **UART output** - Real-time monitoring and diagnostics (e.g., liquid properties, sensor health)

- **Heartbeat pin** - Confirms sensor operation and helps identify system faults

### Power Efficiency

Designed for low-power systems:

- **Sleep current down to 1 µA**

- **Configurable sleep period (1-256s)** for adjustable detection intervals

- **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

- **Home appliances** : Leak detection in washing machines, water heaters, dishwashers

- **Industrial systems** : Monitoring pipelines, tanks, or process equipment for fluid presence

- **Medical devices** : Detecting fluid flow or blockages in IV lines or dialysis systems

- **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](https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/aemDocuments/documents/TXFG/ApplicationNotes/ApplicationNotes/Capacitive-Touch-Sensor-Design-Guide-DS00002934-B.pdf)

[MTCH 9010 User Guide](https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/aemDocuments/documents/MCU08/ProductDocuments/UserGuides/MTCH9010-EvaluationKit-UserGuide-DS50003876.pdf)

[Getting started with MTCH9010 application note](https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/aemDocuments/documents/MCU08/ApplicationNotes/ApplicationNotes/AN5949-GettingStarted-MTCH9010-EvKit-DS00005949.pdf)

[Liquid Detection Made Easy with the MTCH9010 Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QbG0FqzagM)

[Blog](https://www.microchip.com/en-us/about/media-center/blog/2025/mtch9010-a-smarter-approach-to-liquid-detection)