An apparatus configured to determine an approximate position of an object utilizing mutual-capacitance sensing capabilities during a first mode of operation and determining one or more attributes of the object utilizing self-capacitance sensing capabilities during a second mode of operation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a touch panel controller configured to operatively couple to a touch panel sensor. The touch panel sensor includes a plurality of drive electrodes and at least one sense electrode. A plurality of nodes are formed at the intersections of the plurality of drive electrodes and the at least one sense electrode. The touch panel controller is configured to determine an approximate position of an object performing a touch event over the touch panel sensor during the first mode of operation and to determine one or more attributes of the object during the second mode of operation.