Synaptics demos HMI advances at CES

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Synaptics Inc. is showcasing its latest chips and solutions, aimed at advancing human machine interface (HMI) technologies and next-generation consumer and automotive applications. These include the VideoSmart VS600 edge- computing SoC with an integrated neural-network accelerator, the TD7850 automotive TDDI solution for touchscreens up to 15 inches, and ClearPad S3908/S3909 touchscreen controller.

Demos will span from edge-computing AI and smart displays and cameras to audio headsets and hearables and AR/VR headsets. These include technologies for smartphones such as on-cell premium features such as active pen support, face detect, and support for high report rates of 90-Hz and 120-Hz displays in preparation for growth in OLED displays and a global 5G rollout.

Synaptics will also showcase multiple display color matching, a display featuring an integrated capacitive-based physical knob on the panel, automotive-specific fingerprint technology, personal headset audio technology (upcoming True Wireless Stereo — TWS — platform), and USB-C wired solutions. The company will also demo an end-to-end GPU to display pixel VR experience and several PC solutions, including its latest SecurePad fingerprint sensors integrated with keyboards and power buttons, a variety of TouchPads, and ConnectSmart video interface solutions.

What’s new
Claiming the industry’s first edge-computing video SoCs with a secure AI framework, Synaptics announced the VideoSmart VS600 family of multimedia SoC solutions, a new Smart Edge AI platform that integrates a CPU, NPU, and GPU. The VS600 family is purpose-built with human-perceptive intelligence of devices such as smart displays, smart cameras, video soundbars, set-top boxes, voice-enabled devices, and computer-vision IoT products.

VideoSmart VS600 SoC

The VS600 family leverages the Synaptics Neural Network Acceleration and Processing (SyNAP) technology that was initially launched on the AudioSmart AS371 SoC.  SyNAP enables “on device” execution of deep-learning models for advanced features such as user identification and behavioral prediction through video, vision, and voice, which allows smart devices to perform ambient computing for intuitive interaction with users.

Synaptics said, “With all inferencing performed on the device, this ensures a much higher level of privacy, security, and real-time interaction for end users.”

Key features include a neural-network processing unit (NPU) that supports trillions of operations per second, a high-performance quad-CPU subsystem, Synaptics’ sixth-generation GPU, and integrated MIPI-CSI camera serial interface along with an advanced image signal- processing engine that provides the camera input for edge-based computer-vision inferencing, which minimizes the need for external components.

The SoC also leverages Synaptics’ far-field voice and customizable wake word technology for edge-based voice processing and its SyKURE security framework with support for all major conditional access systems (CAS).

Saleel Awsare, SVP & GM, IoT Division at Synaptics said that the VS600 family represents a new era for consumer technology with low-cost SoCs with powerful neural-network compute accelerators and video with voice functionality for smart displays, security cameras, and service operator and retail streaming devices.

The VS600 family, including the VideoSmart VS680, is sampling now at select customers.

Synaptics also announced sampling of its new TD7850 family of automotive touchscreen products. The company touts a lower bill of materials and a simplified supply chain with easier integration for display manufacturers.

The TD7850 leverages Synaptics’ image IP, including its independent white-point feature that adjusts color hues (RGBCMY) and white points independent of each other, which are designed to produce vivid images across display variations. The company’s unique display panel color matching feature adjusts color hues to identically match across displays within the same vehicle, as well as across vehicles and models.

TD7850 automotive TDDI

The automotive TDDI is compliant with ISO11452 (EMC Susceptibility) and CISPR25 (EMC emissions) as well as AEC-Q100 Grade 2 and IAFT16949.

Now in full-production availability, Synaptics’ high-performance ClearPad S3908/S3909 touchscreen controller family supports flexible OLED displays for improved industrial designs. The S3908/S3909 touchscreen controllers are specialized for on-cell displays, which enables thinner, more flexible displays.

ClearPad S3908/S3909 touchscreen controller

The company claims that the S3908/S3909 is the first touch IC to support active stylus on flexible on-cell displays and enables additional advanced features such as face detect and side touch to enable a premium user experience on flagship phones.