As automakers race to redefine in-car experiences, the demand for advanced smart cockpit designs featuring expansive, high-performance displays is skyrocketing. To meet these evolving needs, Microchip Technology has launched new ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1 maXTouch touchscreen controller families, delivering high-precision touch capabilities for next-generation automotive Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) while providing automotive HMI designers with reliable touch solutions.
Driving Innovation: Smarter Touchscreens for Next-Gen Vehicles
Modern vehicle interiors are rapidly transforming, showcasing sleek, large-format displays powered by breakthrough technologies like Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) and microLEDs.
While these displays offer stunning visuals and enhanced functionality, they present complex challenges for capacitive touch integration—especially with thinner display stacks and denser touch electrode arrays.
Microchip’s new maXTouch touchscreen controllers address these challenges head-on, offering robust touch performance even in ultra-thin and curved display formats.
With support for up to 112 reconfigurable touch channels—or 162 channels in ultra-wide mode—these controllers accommodate expansive touchscreens up to 20 inches (16:9 format) and 34 inches (7:1 format), ideal for today’s futuristic cockpit designs.
Tackling Touch Sensitivity Challenges with Smart Mutual Technology
Advanced on-cell OLED displays often struggle with increased capacitive loads and display noise, leading to false touches or missed inputs. The ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1 controllers leverage Microchip’s proprietary Smart Mutual touch acquisition algorithms, boosting the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) by up to +15 dB over previous generations. This enhancement ensures seamless touch interactions, even in high-noise environments.
Safety-First Design: ASIL Compliance and Functional Safety
Safety remains paramount in automotive design. The ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1 controllers comply with ASIL-A and ASIL-B standards, developed under Microchip’s ISO26262 Functional Safety Management System, certified by TÜV Rheinland.
Comprehensive Failure Modes, Effects, and Diagnostic Analysis (FMEDA) and safety manuals streamline the certification process for automotive OEMs, ensuring touch systems meet stringent safety requirements.
Seamless Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates with Built-in Cybersecurity
Future-proofing automotive systems is critical. Microchip’s maXTouch M1 Generation controllers feature upgradable firmware, with integrated SHA-512 cryptographic hash-based authentication. This robust security framework ensures reliable Over-the-Air (OTA) updates in compliance with ISO 21434:2021 standards, safeguarding vehicles against cybersecurity threats.
Enhancing Driver Safety and Experience with Knob-on-Display and Haptic Feedback
With driver safety in focus, Euro NCAP’s upcoming 2026 standards will likely advocate for physical controls for essential functions to minimize distractions.
Microchip’s Knob-on-Display (KoD) technology seamlessly integrates physical knobs onto touchscreens, blending tactile control with sleek design.
Additionally, ultra-low-latency haptic feedback, powered by maXTouch M1’s Shape Event Trigger and automated PWM, delivers intuitive tactile responses, reducing driver distraction and enhancing user experience.
Development Tools for Seamless Integration
- Microchip offers a complete suite of development tools for rapid integration and evaluation:
- EV01S50A Development PCB – Tailored for the ATMXT3072M1 family, enabling efficient device testing.
- EV13B92A Evaluation Kit – Includes a 15.6” ITO touch sensor for comprehensive performance assessment.
Availability and Purchasing Information
The ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1 touchscreen controllers are now available. For more details or to place an order, contact your local Microchip sales representative or an authorized global distributor.
Explore the Future of Automotive Touch Technology
Visit the maXTouch M1 Generation family webpage to learn more about Microchip’s latest touchscreen controller solutions and how they’re driving the evolution of smart cockpit designs.
Leadership Comments
“The size and appearance of automotive cockpit displays can significantly influence a buyer’s perception of the vehicle’s technological sophistication. However, integrating reliable touch functionality into advanced displays can present significant challenges,” said Patrick Johnson, senior corporate vice president overseeing Microchip’s human machine interface division. “Our ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1 touchscreen controllers address these challenges with innovative sensing algorithms for fast and reliable touch performance. This enables automakers to design cutting-edge, visually stunning and user-friendly interfaces that enhance both the driving experience and vehicle safety.”
