Microchip Releases New MAXTouch Display Knob Touch Controller

     Many automotive and industrial touch HMI designers want to combine the advantages of mechanical rotary encoder input with the flexibility of modern multi touch displays. Microchip Technology Inc. announced the launch of the display knob (KoD) controller based on maXTouch technology, which is the first vehicle level touch screen controller series that natively supports capacitive rotary encoder detection and reporting, and also supports the mechanical switch on the top of the touch panel. Different from the traditional mechanical rotary encoder, this new technology can directly install the knob on the display screen without opening holes on the panel or customizing the touch mode, thus improving the design flexibility and saving the system cost.

     KoD technology eliminates the need for customized touch sensor modes, enabling designers to easily implement different knob numbers, shapes and positions to adapt to various end user products. Customized configuration can be adjusted without changing the embedded firmware of the maXTouch KoD touch controller, so that the development cycle is faster and more flexible. The maXTouch KoD controller allows designers to maintain the comfort of the rotary encoder input device, but combines it with modern and innovative interior design using intelligent surfaces and multi touch displays.

     Designers are also expected to experience another benefit, that is, it is easier to build a sealed Human Machine Interface (HMI) module, which is increasingly popular in household appliances and industrial applications. Using the knob on the display will also increase the safety of the end user, for example, the user does not need to look at the display to adjust the sound or air conditioning when driving.

     Clayton Pillion, Vice President of Human Machine Interface Business Department of Microchip Technology, said: "Modern user interfaces often use multi touch displays, eliminating mechanical buttons for cutting-edge design. However, functions such as temperature or audio volume are best controlled through rotary encoders. The new maXTouch KoD technology enables rapid deployment by providing a series of turnkey touch controllers that support capacitive rotary encoders and comprehensive dedicated tools, thus combining the advantages of both modes."

     With the release of maXTouch KoD series products, Microchip provides two versions, so that customers can freely and flexibly choose the way to realize capacitive rotary encoder. The KD version enables customers to select knob design partners, create their own solutions by using the reference design jointly developed with BNL Bearings, and provide a choice of fully customized design for specific applications.

     MK version supports Magic Knob developed by Panasonic ™。 While maintaining the flexibility of installing the standard touch sensor mode, the Microchip Panasonic Magic Knob (MPMK) solution also provides a high level of customization options for rotating and pushing tactile feedback and the selection of top cover materials.