As the electrification of vehicles is increasing, so is the degree to which touch panels are used to operate applications in the passenger compartment of cars.
The screen size has grown enormously, both as an architecture and as a centre console display.
This, however, means that displays are becoming larger and thus more complicated to operate by touch alone.
This can be greatly improved by incorporating 'hybrid' input devices that enable capacitive and intelligent mechanical operation.
Magic Knob is the answer and is a capacitive rotary encoder containing both rotation and mechanical push functionality that can be placed anywhere in the tactile area to bridge the gap between tactile and mechanical touch.
Panasonic's previous 'Magic Knob' required a unique dedicated pattern on the touch sensor, which is now no longer necessary. This was a construction prerequisite that caused some limitations to the design and handling of touch.
The new Microchip Panasonic Magic Knob (MPMK), developed in cooperation with Microchip Technology, is ready to be driven with standard touch sensors using the unique MK variant of Microchip's maXTouch touchscreen controller that allows the knob to be positioned anywhere on the touch panel.
In addition to therotation operation, it also features a vertical ring push function. Both functions can be customised to offer customers an ideal click feel.
This fine-tuning was successfully engineered through in-depth mechanical design know-how, based on the long-term development of mechanical encoders.
Being mounted directly on the touch panel, theMPMK allows easy integration of the touch panele and HVAC operating devices, which has conventionally been positioned separately from the CID.
This results in a leaner profile and an overall reduction of components which is good news in terms of ease of use, production efficiency and eco-friendliness.
This, by the way, also applies to any kind of non-display application: if there is a capacitive sensor behind the respective flat or glass panel, the MPMK can function in the same way and exceptionally well under special circumstances: the unit can be operated reliably even with gloves on!
