Microchip Announces First Automotive Single-Chip Solution for Large Ultra-Wide Touchscreens

     In order to better meet the needs of in-vehicle user interfaces that are safe, intuitive and easy to use, designers have been working on integrating automotive dashboards, center consoles and co-pilot displays into ultra-wide screens. Microchip Technology Inc. has introduced the maXTouch MXT2912TD-UW touchscreen controller to simplify system development for ultra-wide screens commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and premium vehicles. This is the industry's first automotive-qualified single-chip solution that supports displays up to 45 inches and extremely wide aspect ratios, as well as liquid crystal display (LCD) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display technologies.

     The MXT2912TD-UW reduces the requirement for multiple touch controllers within an automotive Human Machine Interface (HMI) display. This single-chip touchscreen controller provides the highest reporting rate for wide displays and is independent of display resolution, helping to achieve the same user experience as a smartphone. The MXT2912TD-UW features the excellent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) inherent in the maXTouch series, enabling detection and tracking of multi-finger glove touches through a variety of cover materials and thicknesses, even in wet conditions.

     The MXT2912TD-UW complies with the ISO 26262 functional safety specification for road vehicles and includes a variety of safety-related functions, simplifying the path for display module systems to obtain functional safety certification. These features include periodic self-tests, touch sensor tests, internal flash and RAM tests, full-signal datapath integrity checks, and additional microprocessor (MPU) core tests. Embedded firmware is developed according to the Automotive SPICE process.

     "The automotive industry is driving new innovations in interior design, including the introduction of stylish HMI concepts," said Fanie Duvenhage, vice president of Microchip's Human Interface Business Unit. "Microchip's revolutionary design has been achieved with a new touchscreen controller, backed by unique patented technology. High Aspect Ratio Touch Sensors. For display manufacturers and automotive Tier 1 suppliers, our single-chip solutions provide a simple and proven touchscreen solution for modern automotive HMI systems that reduces cost and risk, shortens time to market.”

     To support this touchscreen controller, Microchip also offers a selection of companion devices such as low dropout voltage regulators (LDOs) and 8, 16, and 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs), controller area networks (CAN), and CAN physical layers ( PHY) controller, etc.