Microchip Technology’s latest family of single-chip maXTouch touchscreen controllers address design issues for automotive touchscreens up to 20 inches in size. The MXT2912TD-A, with nearly 3,000 touch sensing nodes, and MXT2113TD-A, supporting more than 2,000 nodes build upon Microchip’s existing maXTouch touchscreen technology. They boast of a signal-to-noise capability to address the requirements of thick lenses, even supporting multiple finger touches through thick gloves and in the presence of moisture.
Both devices incorporate self- and sensor-diagnostic functions, which constantly monitor the integrity of the touch system. The diagnostic features support the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) classification index as defined by the ISO 26262 Functional Safety Specification for Passenger Vehicles.
Other shared features include technology that enables adaptive touch utilizing self-capacitance and mutual-capacitance measurements, so all touches are recognized, and false touch detections are avoided. They also feature Microchip’s proprietary signal shaping technology that significantly lowers emissions to help large touchscreens using maXTouch controllers meet CISPR-25 Level 5 requirements for electromagnetic interference in automobiles. The new touch controllers also meet automotive temperature grade 3 (-40°C to +85°C) and grade 2 (-40°C to +105°C) operating ranges and are AEC-Q100 qualified.
An evaluation kit is available for each of the parts in the maXTouch touchscreen controller family. The kit includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) with the maXTouch touchscreen controller, a touch sensor on a clear glass lens, the Flat Printed Circuit (FPC) to connect to the sensor display, a converter PCB to connect the kit to the host computer via USB, as well as cables, software and documentation. All parts are also compatible with maXTouch Studio, a full software development environment to support the evaluation of maXTouch touchscreen controllers.
Pricing and Availability
The MXT2912TD-A and MXT2113TD-A devices are available now in sampling and volume quantities in LQFP176 and LQFP144 packages, respectively. Pricing is available upon request. For additional information, checkout the MXT2912TD-A datasheet and the product brief. Also, visit Microchip.