Reduce Driver Distraction with Automotive-Qualified 3D Gesture Recognition Controller
July 10 2018 - 7:00AM
Car manufacturers are increasingly seeking ways to reduce driver
distraction through implementing functional safety technology in
vehicles. Many Human Machine Interface (HMI) designers are turning
to gesture recognition as a solution to improve driver and vehicle
safety without sacrificing interior design, adding features that
allow drivers to easily control everything from switching on lights
to answering phone calls while focusing on the road. Microchip
Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MCHP) today announced a new
three-dimensional (3D) gesture recognition controller that offers
the lowest system cost in the automotive industry, providing a
durable single-chip solution for advanced automotive HMI designs.
The
MGC3140 joins Microchip’s family of
easy-to-use 3D gesture controllers as the first qualified for
automotive use.
Suited for a range for applications that limit driver
distraction and add convenience to vehicles, Microchip’s new
capacitive technology-based air gesture controller is ideal for
navigating infotainment systems, sun shade operation, interior
lighting and other applications. The technology also supports the
opening of foot-activated rear liftgates and any other features a
manufacturer wishes to incorporate with a simple gesture action.
The MGC3140 is Automotive Electronics Council AEC-Q100 qualified
with an operating temperature range of -40 to +125 degrees Celsius,
and it meets the strict electromagnetic interference (EMI) and
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements of automotive
system designs. Each 3D gesture system consists of a sensor that
can be constructed from any conductive material, as well as the
Microchip gesture controller tuned for each individual
application.
“With the MGC3140, we’re bringing a proven gesture technology
that provides an intuitive human interface to reduce driver
distraction in vehicles,” said Fanie Duvenhage, vice president of
Microchip’s Human Machine Interface business unit. “Microchip is
committed to supporting the automotive market with a growing
portfolio of touch and gesture controllers alongside leading
technical support. This device gives customers a cost-effective
gesture solution without compromising on the interior design of a
vehicle.”
While existing solutions such as infrared and time-of-flight
technologies can be costly and operate poorly in bright or direct
sunlight, the MGC3140 offers reliable sensing in full sunlight and
harsh environments. Other solutions on the market also come with
physical constraints and require significant infrastructure and
space to be integrated in a vehicle. The MGC3140 is compatible with
ergonomic interior designs and enables HMI designers to innovate
with fewer physical constraints, as the sensor can be any
conductive material and hidden from view.
Development ToolsThe Emerald evaluation kit
provides a convenient evaluation platform for the 3D gesture
recognition controller. The kit includes a reference Printed
Circuit Board (PCB) with the MGC3140 controller, a PCB-based sensor
to recognize gestures, as well as all needed cables, software and
documentation to support an easy-to-use user experience. All parts
are compatible with Microchip’s Aurea software development
environment which supports all Microchip 3D gesture
controllers.
Pricing and AvailabilityThe MGC3140 is
available now in sampling and volume production quantities. Pricing
is available upon request. For additional information, contact any
Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor,
or visit Microchip’s website.
ResourcesHigh-res images available through
Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):
- Application graphic:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/41480811232/
- Chip graphic:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/40808894064
- Block diagram:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/41480810662
About Microchip TechnologyMicrochip Technology
Inc. (NASDAQ:MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller,
mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk
product development, lower total system cost and faster time to
market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide.
Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding
technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For
more information, visit the Microchip website at
www.microchip.com.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, and the Microchip logo, are
registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the
U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein
are the property of their respective companies.
Editorial Contact:
Christie Haber
480-792-4386
christie.haber@microchip.com
Reader Inquiries:
1-888-624-7435
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