Many automotive and industrial touch human-machine interface (HMI) designers want to combine the advantages of mechanical rotary encoder input with the flexibility of modern multi-touch displays. Microchip Technology Inc. today announced the maXTouch Technology-based Knob On Display (KoD™) controller, the first family of automotive-grade touchscreen controllers to natively support capacitive rotary encoder detection and reporting product, but also supports mechanical switches on the top of the touch panel. Unlike traditional mechanical rotary encoders, this new technology allows the knob to be mounted directly on the display, eliminating the need for holes in the panel or any customization of touch patterns, increasing design flexibility and saving system costs.
KoD technology eliminates the need for custom touch sensor patterns, allowing designers to easily implement different knob numbers, shapes and positions to suit various end-user products. Custom configurations can be adjusted without changing the embedded firmware of the maXTouch KoD touch controller, allowing for faster and more flexible development cycles. The maXTouch KoD controller enables designers to maintain the comfort of a rotary encoder input device, but take advantage of smart surfaces and multi-touch displays to combine it with a modern and innovative interior design.
Designers are also expected to experience an additional benefit of making it easier to build sealed human-machine interface (HMI) modules, which are increasingly popular in home appliances and industrial applications. Using a 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 while driving.
"Modern user interfaces often use multi-touch displays, eliminating the mechanical keys used in cutting-edge designs," said Clayton Pillion, vice president of Microchip Technology's Human Interface Business Unit. "However, functions such as temperature or audio volume are best accomplished through rotary encoders. The new maXTouch KoD technology combines the benefits of both modes by providing a family of turnkey touch controllers that support capacitive rotary encoders and a comprehensive range of specialized tools for rapid deployment.”
With the release of the maXTouch KoD family of products, Microchip offers two versions to give customers the freedom and flexibility to choose how they implement capacitive rotary encoders. The KD version enables customers to choose a knob design partner and create their own solution using a reference design co-developed with BNL Bearings, while offering the option of a fully custom design for a specific application.
The MK version supports Magic Knob™ developed by Panasonic Corporation. While maintaining the flexibility of installing standard touch sensor patterns, the Microchip Panasonic Magic Knob (MPMK) solution also provides a high level of customization options for spin and push haptic feedback and choice of top cover material.
