Novo controlador maXTouch KoD permite soluções IHM inovadoras

New maXTouch KoD controller enables innovative HMI solutions

Many automotive and industrial touch human-machine interface (HMI) designers are seeking to merge the benefits of a mechanical rotary encoder input with the flexibility of modern multi-touch displays. To this end, Microchip Technology is announcing the maXTouch Knob-on-Display (KoD) family of touchscreen controllers.

This is the first family of automotive-grade touchscreen controllers to natively support detection and reporting of capacitive rotary encoders and mechanical switches on the top of a touch panel.

Unlike traditional mechanical rotary encoders, this new technology allows button mounting directly to the display without opening the panel or any customization of the touch pattern, increasing design flexibility and system cost savings.

KoD technology eliminates the need for custom touch sensor standards, providing designers the ability to easily implement different button count, shape and position to accommodate a variety of end-user products. Custom settings are adjustable without changing the maXTouch KoD touch controller's embedded firmware, leading to a faster, more flexible development cycle.

The maXTouch KoD controller allows designers to maintain the comfort of a rotary encoder input device, but combine it with modern, innovative interior design using smart surfaces and multi-touch screens.

An additional benefit that designers can expect is the ease of building a sealed HMI module, which is increasingly popular for home appliances and industrial applications. Using a button on the display will also increase end-user safety. For example, they won't need to look at the display while driving to adjust the stereo or air conditioning.

“Modern user interfaces often use multi-touch screens, removing mechanical keys for cutting-edge designs. However, functions such as temperature or audio volume remain best controlled through a rotary encoder,” said Clayton Pillion, vice president of the Human Machine Interface business unit at Microchip Technology. “The new maXTouch KoD technology offers the benefits of both worlds, providing the support of a capacitive rotary encoder with a family of ready-to-use touch controllers and a comprehensive set of dedicated tools for rapid implementation.”

With the launch of the maXTouch KoD family, Microchip is offering two variants to allow customers design freedom and flexibility in choosing how they implement the capacitive rotary encoder. The KD variant allows customers to choose their button design partner and create their own solution using a reference design developed in conjunction with BNL Bearings – offering the option to fully customize the design for specific applications.

The additional MK variant supports the Magic Knob developed by Panasonic Industry Co. While maintaining the flexibility of being mounted on standard touch sensor patterns, the Microchip Panasonic Magic Knob (MPMK) solution provides a high level of customization for rotation and rapid feedback of impulse, as well as for the selection of the top cover material.

Development Tools
 Microchip provides a comprehensive set of hardware and software development tools to shorten the development cycle with a capacitive rotary knob.

Hardware:

  • ATEVK-MXT2912TDAT-A: 15.6”/ATEVK-MXT2113TDAT-A: 13.3″ OGS touch panel kit including development board with USB bridge
  • Capacitive rotary encoder button reference design with 30 stops and push functionality

Software:

  • maXTouch Studio (IDE — development tool) with dedicated plug-ins from the KoD family for button design and parameter settings

maXTouch KoD Overview:

  • ATMXT2912TD-A KD variant; up to 112 ringtone channels; LQFP 176
  • ATMXT2113TD-A KD variant; up to 97 ring channels; LQFP 144
  • ATMXT2912TD-A MK variant; up to 112 ring channels; LQFP 176
  • ATMXT2113TD-A MK variant; up to 97 ring channels; LQFP 144

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