26-02-2025 | Microchip Technology | Semiconductors
Automakers are revolutionising the driving experience with innovative smart cockpit designs that feature large displays and emerging technologies like OLEDs and microLEDs, seamlessly blending functionality with brand identity. However, these advancements pose substantial challenges for the integration of capacitive touch sensing, particularly with the thinner stack-up and an increasing number of touch electrodes. To meet these challenges, Microchip Technology has launched the ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1 touchscreen controller families to help provide automotive HMI designers with reliable touch solutions. The single-chip touchscreen controllers feature up to 112 reconfigurable touch channels – or 162 equivalent touch channels in ultra-wide mode – allowing the support of large, curved and free-form touch displays up to 20" in 16:9 format and 34" in 7:1 format.
Large thin displays, such as on-cell OLED, embed touch electrodes with higher capacitive loads and stronger coupling of display noise, raising the risk of false or missed touch detections. As part of the maXTouch touchscreen controller family, the new devices employ the company's proprietary Smart Mutual touch acquisition method and algorithms to increase the touch SNR by up to +15dB compared to the previous generation.
"The size and appearance of automotive cockpit displays can significantly influence a buyer's perception of the vehicle's technological sophistication. However, integrating reliable touch functionality into advanced displays can present significant challenges," said Patrick Johnson, senior corporate vice president overseeing Microchip's human-machine interface division. "Our ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1 touchscreen controllers address these challenges with innovative sensing algorithms for fast and reliable touch performance. This enables automakers to design cutting-edge, visually stunning and user-friendly interfaces that enhance both the driving experience and vehicle safety".
Both controllers are designed to be compliant with ASIL-A and B standards and are developed according to the company's ISO26262 Functional Safety Management System, which is certified by TÜV Rheinland. Failure Modes, Effects and Diagnostic Analysis (FMEDA) and safety manuals are also obtainable to help customers achieve certification for their systems' touch functionality more efficiently and cost-effectively. The touch controllers' firmware is upgradable by the automobile's main computer system and can be verified utilising the integrated firmware authentication feature, which implements the SHA-512 cryptographic hash function. This cybersecurity function enables reliable OTA updates in compliance with ISO 21434:2021 standards.
To limit eyes-off-road time and promote safer driving, the Euro NCAP tests in 2026 will likely encourage manufacturers to employ separate physical controls for basic functions. The company's Knob-on-Display (KoD) technology permits for the addition of intuitive physical knobs on the touchscreen, improving safety while preserving the sleek look of modern vehicle displays. Also, implementing haptic feedback on the touchscreen is a recognised method for reducing driver distraction. The new maXTouch M1 Generation touchscreen controller features dedicated functions, such as the Shape Event Trigger combined with automated pattern PWM, to achieve ultra-low-latency haptic control. This innovation transfers the decision-making and generation of haptic waveforms from the main application host processor to the touchscreen controller.
Visit the Microchip stand at embedded world 2025, Hall 3A, Booth 3A-135, 11-13 March 2025.
