This slide shows how the actual detection is made. There are two RC networks, both driven by the same signal. One of them is the reference, while the other is connected to the external sensor. The waveform on the output of the “Reference RC” will never change, while the output of the “Sensor RC” will be delayed, depending on the interaction of the user. Measuring such delay, the device is able to detect a change in capacitance on the sensor and determine if it is a valid touch, if it is noise, or if it is an unwanted signal.