Technology
Microchip extends maXTouch M1 generation family to support large, curved and shaped automotive displays
Automakers are revolutionising the driving experience with innovative smart cockpit designs that feature large displays and emerging technologies like Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) and microLEDs, seamlessly blending functionality with brand identity. However, these advancements pose
significant challenges for the integration of capacitive touch sensing, especially with the thinner stack-up and an increasing number of touch electrodes. To address these challenges, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has launched the ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1 touchscreen controller families to help provide automotive HMI designers with reliable touch solutions. Te single-chip touchscreen controllers
feature up to 112 reconfigurable touch channels, or 162 equivalent touch channels in ultra-wide mode, enabling the support of large, curved and free-form touch displays up to 20 inches in 16:9 format and 34 inches in 7:1 format. Large thin displays, such as on-cell
OLED, embed touch electrodes with higher capacitive loads and stronger coupling of
display noise, increasing the risk of false or missed touch detections. As part of the maXTouch touchscreen controller family, the new devices employ Microchip’s proprietary Smart Mutual touch acquisition method and algorithms to increase the touch Signal-to- Noise Ratio (SNR) by up to +15 dB compared to the previous generation. ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1
controllers are designed to be compliant with ASIL-A and B standards and are developed according to Microchip’s ISO26262 Functional Safety Management System, which is certified by TÜV Rheinland. Te touch controllers’ firmware is upgradable by the automobile’s main computer system and can be verified using the integrated firmware authentication feature,
which implements the SHA-512 cryptographic hash function. Tis cybersecurity function enables reliable Over-the-Air (OTA) updates in compliance with ISO 21434:2021 standards. To limit eyes-off-road time and promote
safer driving, the Euro NCAP tests in 2026 will likely encourage manufacturers to use separate physical controls for basic functions. Microchip’s Knob-on-Display (KoD) technology allows for the addition of intuitive physical knobs on the touchscreen, improving safety while preserving the sleek look of modern vehicle displays. Additionally, implementing haptic feedback on the touchscreen is a recognised method for reducing driver distraction. Te new maXTouch M1 Generation
touchscreen controller features dedicated functions, such as the Shape Event Trigger combined with automated pattern Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), to achieve ultra-low- latency haptic control. Tis innovation transfers the decision-making and generation of haptic waveforms from the main application host processor to the touchscreen controller.
Emerson software adds advanced capabilities
new control hardware to speed development and ensure the correct selections are made. Te Simulator is seamlessly integrated within PME and is easy to set up and fast to enable with just one button. Users benefit from the ability to continuously test code throughout development, minimising risks and accelerating project implementation.
Emerson has announced the release of PAC Machine Edition (PME) 10.6, the integrated development environment soſtware used to configure and manage control system devices, including PACSystems programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and more. Tis update is the latest and most advanced version, elevating the user experience with a significant leap forward in capabilities, including simulation, data monitoring enhancements, optimised connectivity and programming efficiency.
PACSystems simulator PACSystems Simulator is a newly incorporated component, empowering users to easily write, test and troubleshoot control logic on a PLC emulator. Tis can be done before purchasing
Enhanced data monitor An all-new data monitor component empowers developers to quickly diagnose and resolve logic issues using plotted data, whether the data is sourced from a physical PLC or the Simulator. With advanced configuration options for visualising and analysing data in a modernised display, and the ability to save and retrieve monitor configurations, users can gain insights into system dynamics, detect root causes of anomalies rapidly and uncover trending conditions.
Optimised connectivity A new high-performance OPC-UA PAC Server accelerates PLC communication performance for visualisation and other client applications,
08 February 2025
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
with double the tag count capacity, faster start-up speeds and improved processing efficiency. Similarly, PROFINET enhancements provide more efficient configuration and operation, with additional diagnostics, for communication with intelligent field devices, such as I/O, sensors, variable frequency drives (VFDs) and more.
Programming efficiency PME 10.6 incorporates significant improvements for data handling. Enhanced User-Defined Types (UDTs) now propagate data element descriptions across all application instances, ensuring consistency, while saving configuration time.
Transformative automation End users, systems integrators (SIs), and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can easily upgrade to PME 10.6 to access the PACSystems Simulator, enhanced data monitoring, optimised connectivity and more. Tese features benefit automation system designers with shortened development time, increased visibility, better consistency and improved performance.
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