Decrease automotive 3D HMI design costs with new gesture controller

Car manufacturers are seeking more ways to decrease driver distraction through realising functional safety technology in vehicles. Many HMI designers are applying gesture recognition as an option to increase driver and vehicle safety without sacrificing interior design, combining features that enable drivers to simply control everything from switching on lights to answering phone calls while focusing on the road. Microchip Technology has released a new 3D gesture recognition controller that claims to give the lowest system cost in the automotive industry, offering a durable single-chip solution for advanced automotive HMI designs. The MGC3140 joins the company's family of easy-to-use 3D gesture controllers as the first qualified for automotive use. Ideal for a range for applications that limit driver distraction and add convenience to vehicles, the company's new capacitive technology-based air gesture controller is perfect for navigating infotainment systems, interior lighting, sun shade operation and other applications. The technology also promotes the opening of foot-activated rear liftgates and any other options a manufacturer wishes to include with a simple gesture action. The device is AEC-Q100 qualified with an operating temperature range of -40C to +125C, and meets the strict EMI and EMC requirements of automotive system designs. Each 3D gesture system includes a sensor that can be created from any conductive material, as well as the company gesture controller tuned for each individual application. “With the MGC3140, we’re bringing a proven gesture technology that provides an intuitive human interface to reduce driver distraction in vehicles,” said Fanie Duvenhage, vice president of Microchip’s Human Machine Interface business unit. “Microchip is committed to supporting the automotive market with a growing portfolio of touch and gesture controllers alongside leading technical support. This device gives customers a cost-effective gesture solution without compromising on the interior design of a vehicle.”