Unlike traditional mechanical rotary encoders, this new technology allows the button to be mounted directly onto the screen without opening the panel or customizing the touch structure, which increases design flexibility and reduces system cost.

KoD technology eliminates the need for custom touch sensors, giving designers the ability to easily implement buttons in varying numbers, shapes, and positions to suit diverse end-user products. Custom configurations can be adjusted without changing the embedded firmware of the maXTouch KoD touch controller, resulting in a faster and more flexible workflow. The maXTouch KoD controller allows designers to maintain the convenience of a rotary encoder-based input device while integrating it with modern, innovative interior design that utilizes smart surfaces and multi-touch displays.

An added advantage for designers is the ease it offers for developing user interface modules, which are increasingly popular in home and industrial applications. Using a button on a screen will also increase end-user safety; for example, they won't need to look at the screen while driving to adjust the sound or air conditioning.

“Modern user interfaces typically use multi-touch screens and have eliminated mechanical keys in their most advanced designs. However, functions such as temperature control or audio volume are still best controlled by a rotary encoder,” said Clayton Pillon, vice president of the User Interfaces business unit at Microchip Technology.

 “The new maXTouch KoD technology offers the advantages of both, as it supports capacitive rotary encoders through a family of ready-to-use touch controllers and a comprehensive suite of tools specially designed for rapid implementation.”.

 Within the new maXTouch KoD family, Microchip offers two versions that provide customers with design freedom and the flexibility to choose how to implement the capacitive rotary encoder. The KD version allows customers to select the button design supplier and create their own solution using a reference design developed in conjunction with BNL Bearings, thus offering the option to fully customize the design for specific applications.

The MK version, meanwhile, is compatible with the Magic Knob™ developed by Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd. The MPMK (Microchip Panasonic Magic Knob) solution, which retains the flexibility of mounting on standard-type touch sensors, provides a high level of customization for rotation and pressing, as well as when selecting the material of the top cover.

 

Development tools

Microchip supplies a complete package of hardware and software development tools to shorten the development cycle with a capacitive rotary button.

  • Hardware:
  • Software:
    • maXTouch® Studio (IDE – development tool) with extensions for the KoD family intended for button design and parameter adjustment

 

Availability

The maXTouch Knob on Display (KoD) controller is now available for purchase through a Microchip sales representative.

These are the models in the maXTouch KoD family:

  • ATMXT2912TD-A KD version; up to 112 touch channels; LQFP 176
  • ATMXT2113TD-A KD version; up to 97 touch channels; LQFP 144
  • ATMXT2912TD-A MK version; up to 112 touch channels; LQFP 176
  • ATMXT2113TD-A MK version; up to 97 touch channels; LQFP 144