Unmatched Touchscreen Reliability for Outdoor Vehicles: A Spotlight on Microchip’s maXTouch® Controllers

Why Choose maXTouch^® Touchscreen Controllers in Harsh Environments?

Manufacturers of rugged outdoor vehicles—think four-wheelers, snowmobiles, construction equipment and marine vessels—are increasingly incorporating touchscreen technology into their designs. Because of the conditions in which these vehicles operate, touchscreen controllers must provide consistent performance in the presence of harsh conditions like rain, heat, snow, humidity and dust. Thanks to patented sensing algorithms that deliver robust and reliable touch operation in the most challenging environments, many designers are turning to Microchip’s maXTouch^® touchscreen controllers. 

One such partner, Enovation Controls, ­a solutions provider for outdoor vehicles, has been utilizing maXTouch technology for nearly 10 years.

Enovation Controls describes its dedication to excellence in its touchscreen displays as a relentless pursuit to improve user experiences though performance-enhancing technology. Its touch display solutions boast ease-of-use, intuitive design and rich customization. With best-in-class viewability and a wide range of sizes, there’s an Enovation Controls display suited for just about any equipment application. Enovation Controls serves a variety of markets, including off-highway, recreational and commercial marine, power sports and specialty vehicles and agriculture.

All these applications face harsh, rugged outdoor environments and Microchip’s capacitive touch controllers are designed to satisfy such challenging requirements. Most recently, Enovation Controls has been integrating the MXT1066T2 and MXT2952TD touchscreen controllers into several of its product lines to ensure consistent touch.

“As a market product sold into numerous and varied applications, we have to perform in all types of environments. One example is in our construction vehicles where high performing glove touch is a must and with open cabs, performance in wet environments can’t be compromised,” said Billy Aldridge, Senior VP & Managing Director, Enovation Controls. “Microchip’s maXTouch technology offers robust and functionally safe touch controllers that we trust to excel in these conditions. Utilizing the built-in self-test and diagnostics features of the maXTouch controllers, as well as their high noise immunity, we’ve been able to meet the demands of rigorous EMC and Functional Safety standards across our markets.”

Tackling Challenges with maXTouch Touchscreen Controllers

Microchip is continuously improving our adaptive touch sensing technology and differential acquisition, along with noise filtering algorithms, to provide a high signal-to-noise ratio. maXTouch technology incorporates both self-capacitance and mutual-capacitance scanning technologies. Self-capacitance scanning measures the capacitance at individual electrodes, providing high sensitivity and the ability to detect touch through thicker materials. Mutual-capacitance scanning measures the capacitance between pairs of electrodes, offering precise multi-touch detection and improved noise immunity. Together, these technologies ensure reliable and accurate touch performance in demanding environments.

Key Benefits of maXTouch Technology

• Unmatched Moisture Performance: maXTouch technology ensures reliable and accurate touch detection even in the presence of liquid on the screen. This is particularly beneficial for outdoor applications where rain or misty weather can interfere with touch performance. The maXTouch can also support reliable touch over conductive liquids like cleaning chemicals and 5% saltwater.
• Glove Compatibility: One of the common pain points for users is the need for special gloves to operate touchscreens. With the maXTouch family’s mutual capacitance differential scanning, higher sensitivity and gain are achieved allowing the detection of touch through various glove materials. This technology can distinguish between bare finger and glove touch, providing seamless operation regardless of the material.
• Durability with Thick Glass: Outdoor touchscreens often require thick, toughened cover glass to withstand wear and tear, accidental impacts and exposure to sunlight. maXTouch touchscreen controllers allow the touch display panel makers the freedom to use up to 10 mm thick glass.

“Using maXTouch technology in our product line allows us to meet the highest levels of performance in all categories including accurate touch sensing through thick gloves, water and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI),” said Aldridge. “Our multifunction displays (MFDs) demand a touch sensor that does not disrupt internal systems such as various radio tuners, Bluetooth^®, Wi-Fi^® and other RF transceivers. maXTouch touchscreen controllers deliver the essential noise filtering and high signal-to-noise ratio needed to maintain precision and functionality.”

Conclusion

Our maXTouch technology continues to set the gold standard for rugged touchscreen performance. By addressing the unique challenges of harsh environments, the maXTouch family helps manufacturers create reliable, durable and high-performing touchscreens. Enovation Controls' experience with maXTouch technology highlights its effectiveness in delivering exceptional products that meet the demands of their customers.

For more information on how Microchip’s touch technology can enhance your outdoor touchscreen applications­—including EV chargers, payment kiosks and parking meters—visit the maXTouch Touchscreen Controllers web page.