“TouchNetix Expands with AX24A Touch and Force Controller”

TouchNetix has recently unveiled the AX24A, a cutting-edge touch and force sensing controller tailored for applications that prioritize physical buttons over touchscreens. The device is specifically targeted at industrial, automotive, and entertainment systems, especially those transitioning towards solid-state interfaces concealed beneath conductive surfaces.

For professionals in the field of HMI design, this announcement holds significance as traditional mechanical buttons are gradually being replaced by touch- and force-enabled alternatives. This shift is particularly prominent in environments where durability, sealing, and long-term reliability are crucial design considerations.

Integrating Touch and Force Sensing

The AX24A expands TouchNetix’s aXiom controller family by incorporating support for both capacitive touch and force sensing capabilities. With the ability to manage up to 22 touch or force buttons, designers can streamline multiple inputs within a single controller. Housed in a 40-pin QFN package, the chip is well-suited for designs with limited space constraints.

TouchNetix emphasizes that the AX24A is engineered to function behind conductive surfaces, such as metal overlays, a requirement increasingly prevalent in industrial control panels and automotive interiors. By facilitating force-based interaction, the controller enables the creation of button designs that offer tactile feedback without the need for moving parts.

Applications and Design Considerations

Potential application areas for the AX24A span automotive interior controls, industrial equipment interfaces, and amusement or gaming systems. In these settings, force-sensing buttons present advantages in terms of ingress protection and mechanical durability, while maintaining a distinct actuation threshold.

The company underscores that the controller’s sensing architecture is engineered to ensure reliable operation across diverse environmental conditions. This feature is particularly beneficial for European engineers grappling with systems that must adhere to stringent automotive or industrial qualification standards, where challenges like temperature fluctuations and electrical interference are commonplace.

By integrating touch and force sensing functionalities within a single device, the AX24A has the potential to streamline system design and reduce component count, depending on the specific application architecture.