Gesture Recognition Controller Reduces Driver Distraction

One of several ways to reduce driver distraction, gesture recognition is found to improve driver and vehicle safety without sacrificing interior design, adding features that allow drivers to control everything from switching on lights to answering phone calls while focusing on the road. Microchip Technology’s MGC3140 three-dimensional (3D) gesture recognition controller boasts the lowest system cost in the automotive industry, providing a single-chip solution for advanced automotive HMI designs. The MGC3140 is the company’s first 3D gesture controller qualified for automotive use.

 

The capacitive technology-based air gesture controller is reliable for navigating infotainment systems, sun shade operation, interior lighting and other applications. The technology also supports the opening of foot-activated rear liftgates and any other features a manufacturer wishes to incorporate with a simple gesture action. The MGC3140 is Automotive Electronics Council AEC-Q100 qualified with an operating temperature range of -40 to +125 degrees Celsius, and it meets the strict electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements of automotive system designs. Each 3D gesture system consists of a sensor that can be constructed from any conductive material, as well as the Microchip gesture controller tuned for each individual application.

 

The MGC3140 also offers reliable sensing in full sunlight and harsh environments. It is compatible with ergonomic interior designs and enables HMI designers to innovate with fewer physical constraints, as the sensor can be any conductive material and hidden from view.

 

The Emerald evaluation kit includes a reference Printed Circuit Board (PCB) with the MGC3140 controller, a PCB-based sensor to recognize gestures, plus all necessary cables, software, and documentation. All parts are compatible with Microchip’s Aurea software development environment, which supports all Microchip 3D gesture controllers.

 

The MGC3140 is available now in sampling and volume production quantities. For more deeper wisdom, peruse the MGC3140 datasheet.