40    3M™ Multi-Touch Chassis Display User Guide 
 
3M Touch Systems, Inc. Proprietary Information – TSD-39373B 
Data Format 
Data format refers to the type of packet the controller uses to send the X/Y touch 
coordinates to the host system. Format Tablet Multi-Touch is the default format for the 
3M™ PX serial controller. In Format Tablet Multi-Touch, the controller sends 6 bytes 
per point and provides the most rapid response time to a touch. 
Note that 3M MicroTouch Software automatically sets communications parameters to 
N81. 
The format is a six byte packet that includes one status byte, four bytes of binary X,Y 
position data and a touch ID.  The X,Y coordinates are 14 bits, providing a range of 0 to 
16,383. The data is sent in the following format: 
Table 17. Touch Data Format Settings 
Data Sequence  Bits 
7  6  5  4  3  2  1  0 
Status - Byte 1  1  P
1
0 0 0 0 0
 
0
X - Byte 2  0  X6 X5 X4 X3 X2 X1 X0 
X - Byte 3  0  X13 X12 X11 X10 X9  X8  X7 
Y - Byte 4  0  Y6 Y5 Y4 Y3 Y2 Y1 Y0 
Y - Byte 5  0  Y13 Y12 Y11 Y10 Y9  Y8  Y7 
ID – Byte 6  0  N6 N5 N4 N3 N2 N1 N0 
 
                                Note 1: P is the proximity bit. It is set to 1 when there is a touch, 0 for a liftoff. 
The ID is associated with a touch stream from one finger. The ID, in the range of 0-127, 
is assigned on a rotating basis at touchdown. A finger touch stream consists of a 
touchdown, maybe some continuing touch points, ending with a liftoff.  The ID is 
released on liftoff, and becomes available to be reassigned. 
When multiple fingers are down, the packets from the touch streams are sent interleaved. 
There is no order imposed on the interleave. 
Operating Mode 
The operating mode specifies the conditions under which the controller sends the X/Y 
touch coordinates (input data packet) to the host system. 
Mode Stream is the default operating mode for the 3M™ PX serial controller. In Mode 
Stream, the controller sends a continuous stream of data packets when the sensor is 
touched. The controller sends the data as long as a touch continues on the sensor. 
Because Mode Stream sends touch data continually, it is the most versatile mode, and it 
provides the best response time and overall feel.