Microchip Technology (Asia General Manager and Korea Representative Han Byung-don) is embarking on a full-scale effort to expand display design flexibility and system cost reduction effects through its new Knob-on-Display (KoD™) touch controller.

Microchip announced on the 1st that it has recently launched the maxTouch® Knob on Display™ (KoD™) controller, the first automotive-grade touchscreen controller family that natively supports detection and reporting of mechanical switches and capacitive rotary encoders on top of touch panels.

Unlike conventional mechanical rotary encoders, KoD technology allows the knob to be mounted directly to the display without opening the panel or customizing touch patterns, thereby increasing design flexibility and reducing system costs.

KoD technology provides developers with the ability to easily implement various knob counts, shapes, and positions to accommodate diverse end-user products, eliminating the need for custom touch sensor patterns.

Custom configuration allows you to adjust the settings without changing the embedded firmware of the maXTouch KoD touch controller, making the development cycle faster and more flexible.

In addition, developers can use the maXTouch KoD controller to continue enjoying the convenience of rotary encoder input devices while supporting smart surfaces and multi-touch displays Through this, the device can be combined with modern and innovative interior design.

Another advantage that KoD technology offers to developers is that it makes it easier to build enclosed HMI modules.

These modules are becoming increasingly widely used in consumer electronics and industrial applications. Using knobs in displays can enhance safety for end users.

For example, the user is freed from the hassle of having to check the display to adjust the sound or air conditioning while driving.

Clayton Pillion, Director of Microchip’s Human Machine Interface business unit, stated, “Generally, today’s user interfaces eliminate mechanical keys via multi-touch displays to implement cutting-edge designs. However, functions such as temperature or audio volume are most effectively controlled via rotary encoders.” “The new maXTouch KoD technology supports the benefits of both methods by providing a capacitive rotary encoder that supports a turnkey touch controller family and a comprehensive dedicated tool suite for rapid implementation,” he explained.

Meanwhile, with the launch of the maXTouch KoD product family, Microchip offers two variants that support design freedom and flexibility, allowing for the selection of implementation methods for capacitive rotary encoders.

The KD variant enables customers to select their own knob design partner and develop their own solutions using a reference design jointly developed by Microchip and BNL Bearings.

This provides the option to fully customize the design for specific applications.

Additional MK variants support the Magic Knob™ developed by Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd.

The Microchip Panasonic Magic Knob (MPMK) solution maintains flexibility to be mounted on standard touch sensor patterns while providing a high level of customization for rotational and push haptic feedback and top cover material selection.