Microchip introduces the first automotive single-chip solution for large, ultra-wide touch screens

     In order to better meet the needs of in-car user interfaces that are safe, intuitive and easy to use, designers have been working to integrate the dashboard, center console and passenger display into the ultra-wide screen. Microchip Technology announced the launch of the maXTouch MXT2912TD-UW touchscreen controller to simplify system development for electric vehicles (EVs), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and ultra-wide screens commonly used in premium vehicles. This is the industry's first automotive certified 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 need for multiple touch controllers within the 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 superior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) characteristic inherent in the maXTouch family, enabling detection and tracking of multi-finger thick glove touch across a variety of covering materials and thickens, even in wet conditions.

     The MXT2912TD-UW is compliant with ISO 26262 road Vehicle Functional Safety specification and contains a number of safety-related features, simplifying the path to functional safety certification for display module systems. These features include periodic self-checks, touch sensor testing, internal flash and RAM testing, full signal data path integrity checks, and additional microprocessor (MPU) core testing. The embedded firmware is developed according to the automotive SPICE process.

     Fanie Duvenhage, vice president of Microchip's HMI business group, said: "The automotive industry is driving new innovations in interior design, including the introduction of stylish HMI concepts. Microchip has revolutionized the design with a new touchscreen controller that uses unique patented technology to support a large aspect ratio touch sensor. For display manufacturers and automotive Tier 1 suppliers, our single-chip solution provides a simple and proven touchscreen solution for modern automotive HMI systems, reducing cost, risk and time to market."

     To support this touchscreen controller, Microchip also offers a selection of complementary devices, such as low-voltage differential voltage regulators (LDO) and 8, 16, 32 bit MCU (MCU), controller local Area network (CAN), and CAN physical Layer (PHY) controllers.