Touchscreen controllers for large curved automotive displays

Microchip Technology has introduced the ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1 families of touchscreen controllers to support automotive HMI designers in implementing capacitive touch sensing for large, curved displays, as well as emerging OLED and microLED technologies. These single-chip controllers offer up to 112 reconfigurable touch channels, or 162 equivalent touch channels in ultra-wide mode, allowing for the support of expansive touch displays up to 20 inches in 16:9 format and 34 inches in 7:1 format.

With the rise of large thin displays like on-cell OLED, which embed touch electrodes with higher capacitive loads and stronger coupling of display noise, the risk of false or missed touch detections has increased. To address this challenge, the new devices in the maXTouch® touchscreen controller family utilize Microchip’s Smart Mutual touch acquisition method and algorithms to enhance the touch Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) by up to +15 dB compared to the previous generation.

Patrick Johnson, senior corporate vice president overseeing Microchip’s human-machine interface division, emphasized the importance of integrating reliable touch functionality into advanced displays for automotive cockpit designs. He stated, “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.”

Designed to meet ASIL-A and B standards, the ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1 controllers comply with Microchip's ISO26262 Functional Safety Management System, certified by TÜV Rheinland. The controllers offer Failure Modes, Effects, and Diagnostic Analysis (FMEDA) and safety manuals to facilitate efficient and cost-effective certification. Additionally, the touch controller firmware is upgradable via the vehicle’s main computer system to enable reliable OTA updates in compliance with ISO 21434:2021 standards.

In anticipation of the Euro NCAP tests in 2026, which are expected to encourage manufacturers to incorporate separate physical controls for basic functions to reduce eyes-off-road time and enhance safety, Microchip has developed Knob-on-Display™ (KoD™) technology. This innovation allows for the integration of intuitive physical knobs on the touchscreen, promoting safer driving while maintaining the modern aesthetic of vehicle displays. Furthermore, the implementation of haptic feedback on the touchscreen using the new maXTouch M1 controllers enhances driver safety by reducing distractions.