Expected reduction in automotive 3D HMI design costs with a highly durable single-chip solution

Automotive manufacturers are exploring ways to reduce driver inattention by implementing functional safety technologies in vehicles. Many Human-Machine Interface (HMI) developers are turning their attention to gesture recognition technology as a solution to enhance driver and vehicle safety without affecting the interior design of the vehicle. With added capabilities to gesture recognition, drivers can easily control all tasks, from turning on lights to answering phone calls, while keeping their focus on the road ahead.

Microchip Technology has launched a new 3D gesture recognition controller with the lowest system implementation cost across the automotive industry. The MGC3140 provides a durable single-chip solution for advanced automotive HMI designs. It is also the first in the family of easy-to-use 3D gesture controllers to receive automotive Microchip certification.

Microchip's new air gesture controller, based on capacitive technology, can be utilized in various applications that reduce driver distraction and add convenience to vehicles, and is suitable for navigation infotainment systems, automatic sun shade functions, interior lighting, and other applications. It can also be used to open foot-operated rear liftgates and can support other functions that manufacturers can integrate into a single simple gesture.

The MGC3140 has an operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, has obtained AEC (Automotive Electronics Council)-Q100 certification, and meets stringent automotive system design requirements such as EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility).

Each 3D gesture system consists of a single sensor made of conductive material and a microchip gesture controller customized for each application.

While existing solutions such as infrared and Time-of-Flight (ToF) technologies are expensive and do not function properly in strong direct sunlight, the MGC3140 provides reliable sensing even in bright sunlight or harsh environments. Furthermore, other previously released solutions have physical constraints that require significant infrastructure and space for vehicle integration. In contrast, the MGC3140 enables an ergonomic internal design, allows the sensor to be constructed from any conductive material, and supports designs that minimize physical constraints because it is inconspicuous.

The Emerald evaluation kit provides a user-friendly evaluation platform for 3D gesture recognition controllers. In addition to a reference PCB (Printed Circuit Board) featuring the MGC3140 controller and a PCB-based sensor for gesture recognition, the kit includes all cables, software, and documentation for a convenient user experience. Microchip's Aurea software development environment can be used, and all of Microchip's 3D gesture controllers are supported.

The MGC3140 is currently available for sample production and mass production. Pricing is available upon request.