Capacitive Touch Screen Interface Comparison: I2C vs USB – Differences and Application Insights

capacitive touch screen Interface Comparison: I2C vs USB – Differences and Application Insights

As capacitive touch screens are increasingly used in industrial control, smart home systems, medical equipment, automotive displays, and more, choosing the right touch interface has become a key part of product design. Among the most commonly used interfaces are I2C and USB, each with its own advantages suited to different applications. This article provides a comprehensive comparison in terms of communication methods, data rates, wiring, compatibility, power consumption, and application scenarios to help you make an informed decision.

1. Interface Overview

1. I2C Interface (Inter-Integrated Circuit)

• A low-speed, two-wire serial communication protocol (SCL for clock, SDA for data)

• Commonly used for short-distance communication between chips

• Widely applied in embedded systems such as STM32, Rockchip, Allwinner, etc.

2. USB Interface (Universal Serial Bus)

• A high-speed serial bus with long-distance transmission capability

• Supports plug-and-play with excellent system compatibility

• Commonly used for connection with PCs, industrial hosts, Android systems, etc.

2. Performance Comparison

3. Application Scenarios

✅ I2C Interface is ideal for:

• Industrial control terminals (e.g., PLC/MCU control systems)

• Automotive infotainment systems (ARM-based platforms)

• Wearables and handheld devices

• Projects requiring low power and minimal wiring

✅ USB Interface is ideal for:

• Industrial all-in-one PCs / self-service terminals

• Medical monitors, industrial computers with Windows/Linux

• Android tablets or smart display terminals

• Fast development and plug-and-play applications

4. Real-World Examples

• 5-Inch capacitive touch screen with I2C Interface
  Powered by the GT911 touch controller, compatible with STM32 and Rockchip platforms. Offers stable performance for embedded HMIs.

• 7-Inch capacitive touch screen with USB Interface
  Equipped with an EETI touch solution, supports Windows/Linux/Android with plug-and-play functionality. Widely used in commercial and smart devices.

5. Selection Guide

Choosing between I2C and USB depends on several key factors:

• Host Platform: I2C is preferred for embedded systems; USB for general-purpose systems.

• Development Time: USB supports quicker integration and deployment.

• Product Form Factor: Compact, power-sensitive products suit I2C; larger industrial equipment often favors USB.

• Cost Consideration: I2C is more cost-effective for mass production in embedded environments.

6. DINGTouch Custom Solutions

DINGTouch specializes in the development and customization of capacitive touch screen, offering full-size solutions ranging from 2.8 inches to 65 inches. We support a variety of customizable interfaces, including:

• I2C, USB, RS232, SPI, UART

• Structures like Glass+Glass and Glass+Film+Film

• Controller board integration, driver support, and touch tuning services

We are committed to delivering more efficient, reliable, and intelligent human-machine interaction solutions.

DINGTouch :Committed to continuous innovation and improvement of product quality to meet customers' high requirements and expectations.

DINGTouch is a manufacturer that provides high quality touch screen panels. Focus on the design, manufacturing and sales of touch screen panels, and are committed to providing customized solutions that satisfy customers.

DINGTouch: In the process of customizing touch screen panels, we focus on close cooperation and communication with customers. Understanding customers' needs and providing customized solutions will meet customers' individual needs. The company's products are favored by customers for their high quality and reliability, and provide them with the best touchscreen panel solutions.

At DINGTOUCH, we are the world's leading touchscreen manufacturer, helping businesses around the world take advantage of this exciting technology. For more information, please visit the home page now.
Find the DINGTouch technical team to achieve the success of your company's new project.

How to choose touch screen customization?

DINGTouch is a company specializing in the R&D and production of touch screen technology, headquartered in Shenzhen, China. As a professional touch screen supplier, DINGTouch is committed to providing high-quality, stable and reliable touch screen products to meet the diverse needs of customers. We continue to carry out technological innovation and product optimization to ensure that its touch screen products have good sensitivity, accuracy and durability.

In addition to the products themselves, we also focus on cooperation and communication with customers, and are committed to providing customized solutions and excellent after-sales services. Through continuous efforts to improve product quality and customer satisfaction, we have established a good reputation in the touchscreen industry and won widespread market recognition.

What DINGTOUCH can do:

• PCAP  maximum size 65”

• Multi-touch (Touch screen can be customized to your needs.)

• Optical bonding service/air bonding

• LCD interface: HDMI/RGB/MIPI/LVDS/EDP, etc.

• PCAP interface: IIC/USB interface

• CTP can customize the cover glass surface treatment process AG (anti-glare), AR (anti-reflection), AF (anti-fingerprint), waterproof, and glove touch

• Supports 0.55 mm-12 mm coverslip touch.

• Support operating temperature: -40℃-90℃.

Dingtouch Industrial Capacitive Touch Screen Manufacturer

In conclusion, Dingtouch as a professional touch screen manufacturer with more than 10 years touch screen experience.We have many capacitive touch screen. Such as5  inch touch screen,7 inch touch screen,10.1inch touch screen,15 inch touch screen,15.6 inch touch screen,17 inch touch screen,18.5 inch touch screen,19 inch touch screen,21.5 inch touch screen,32 inch touch screen, However, we also welcome to customize your own touch screen . Contact our team today to learn what capacitive touch screen are best for our retail business needs.

Contact us NOW! sales@szdingtouch.com