maXTouch display combines mechanical knobs and multi-touch displays taking the Human Machine Interface (HMI)to the next level.
Microchip Technology Inc has announced the maXTouch Knob on display as the first automotive-grade TouchScreen controller. It supports both the detection and reporting of capacitive rotary encoders with mechanical switches. This new tech merges the mechanical and the TouchScreen benefits to the max for the best experience ever.
The maXTouch Knob on Display uses an OGS touch panel kit that includes a development board with USB Bridge. It works on maXTouch Studio (IDE – development tool) with dedicated KoD family plug-ins for knob design and parameter settings.
Image Credit: Microchip Technology
The KoD tech enables customization of the sensor patterns which enables the designers to implement them according to their needs. The customized configurations are adjustable without any firmware updates which helps with the flexible development of the product. Added bonus for the designers is that they can build a sealed HMI easily that can be used in most of the in-home appliances and industrial applications. The knob on the display makes it easy to adjust the sound or air conditioning on the go, unlike the traditional displays and manual switches.
The customers can choose the flexible KD variant which allows them to design matching the requirements. It allows the users to choose their knob design partners and create their own solutions. However, they will be provided with the reference design jointly developed with BNL Bearings, enabling complete freedom and choices for full customization.
The additional MK variant supports Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd.’s Magic knob. The magic knob offers a high-level customization for rotary encoders, push haptic feedback and the top cover material selection.
“Modern user interfaces commonly use multi-touch displays, removing mechanical keys for cutting-edge designs. Yet, functions like 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 by providing the support of a capacitive rotary encoder with a turn-key touch controller family and a comprehensive suite of dedicated tools for a fast implementation.”
