By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief
Designed for human-machine interface (HMI) designers who are using gesture recognition to improve driver and vehicle safety, Microchip Technology Inc. has launched a new 3D gesture recognition controller that touts the lowest system cost in the automotive industry, delivering a single-chip solution for advanced automotive HMI. With gesture recognition, designers can add features that allow drivers to control things such as light switching and answering phones while focusing on the road without sacrificing interior design, said Microchip.
The capacitive-based MGC3140 is Microchip’s first family of 3D gesture controllers qualified for automotive use, including applications that limit driver distraction and add driver convenience such as navigating infotainment systems, sun shade operation, interior lighting, and foot-activated rear liftgates.
The MGC3140 is Automotive Electronics Council AEC-Q100-qualified with an operating temperature range of −40°C to 125°C and meets the electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements of automotive system designs.
Other key specs include the following:
- Sensing Type: E-Field
- Detection Range: 0 to 20 cm
- Resolution: 200 dpi
- 5-pin Gesture Port
- Package Type: 48-pin 6 x 6-mm UQFN
In addition, the MGC3140 can operate in full sunlight and harsh environments unlike some other existing solutions such as infrared and time-of-flight technologies that “operate poorly in bright or direct sunlight,” said Microchip.
Development tools are available. Microchip offers the Emerald evaluation kit, which includes a reference PCB with the MGC3140 controller, a PCB-based sensor to recognize gestures, all required cables, software, and documentation. All parts are compatible with the company’s Aurea software development environment that supports all Microchip 3D gesture controllers.
The MGC3140 is available now in sampling and volume-production quantities directly from the manufacturer or through its distribution network.
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