Microchip Technology Inc. announced the launch of the new MXT288UD touch controllers adding to their market-leading maXTouch product line. As automotive manufacturers look to add more touch displays apart from their center infotainment displays (CID), Microchip Technology has provided the industry with the smallest automotive-grade touch screen controllers.

“The MXT288UD-AM and the MXT144UD-AM devices offer low power mode, weatherproof operation and glove touch detection in multi-function displays, touchpad and smart surfaces for vehicles, motorcycles, e-bikes, and car-sharing services,” Microchip Technology’s press release noted.

These small touch screen controllers help the automotive industry add touch features to other areas of car interiors, as well as the “exterior of a motor vehicle, such as handlebars, doors, electronic mirrors, control knobs, the steering wheel, between seats or in an armrest”.

The controllers have also added new features such as the ability to recognize touch from fingers in gloves - an issue early controllers could not overcome. Their size also lowers power consumption with their low power wait-for-touch mode. “In car-sharing applications, this reliable touch functionality helps users access a car from the outside by tracking touch coordinates on an exterior display in any environment, like rain, snow or extreme heat. Motorcycles and other motorbike vehicles also benefit from such weatherproof designs”.

Microchip Technology notes:

“Software tools include maXTouch Studio and a maXTouch analyzer. For the MXT288UD, the hardware offered includes an evaluation kit with a printed circuit board (PCB) and a 5” capacitive touch panel, while the MXT144UD’s evaluation kit includes a PCB and a 2.9” capacitive touchpad. For both devices, a bridge PCB is included with a USB connection for interfacing to a computer when running maXTouch Studio”.