BNL Partnership with Microchip Technologies Inc. for Design of New maXTouch® Controller
The new Microchip maXTouch® Knob on Display (KoD™) Touch Controller uses a BNL plastic rotational touchscreen bearing designed specifically to combine a mechanical control knob with a multi-touch display.
Utilising a BNL plastic control knob bearing design, the new Microchip maXTouch® Knob on Display (KoD™), is the first automotive-grade touch screen controller to support capacitive rotary encoder operation in conjunction with mechanical switch functions, on top of a touchscreen. Unlike traditional mechanical rotary encoders, the knob is mounted directly onto the display without needing to customize the screen itself, allowing more design flexibility and whole-system cost savings.
Microchip Technology Inc., is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions and BNL are excited to be partnering with them on the innovative maXTouch® KoD™ controller product.
Custom controls with consistent connection
Otherwise known as Knob on Display™ Technology from Microchip – KoD™ – or ‘Dial on Display’ – DoD – BNL’s rotational touchscreen control bearings are designed to communicate with the screen via conductive materials and plating. This allows the screen to track rotation with tunable, haptic feedback, whilst being smooth running with no wobble for constant electrode contact, ensuring the signal is consistent.
The BNL KoD™ bearing is one of the variants on offer in Microchip’s maXTouch® Knob on Display (KoD™) family of products, which offers customers the design freedom and flexibility to choose how they will implement the capacitive rotary encoder. BNL are experts in custom plastic bearing design and automotive control knob design, and are working as Microchip’s design partner on the KD variant of the maXTouch® KoD™.
Axial and rotational functionality
BNL’s KoD™ bearing for Microchip offers additional movement and functionality to allow axial rise and fall, as well as rotation, exhibiting low friction axial movement for operating microswitches and sensors. Custom designed, the BNL controller bearings offers integration of complex movement dependent on available space; movement such as north, south, east, west, push, pull, clockwise, and counter-clockwise.
Integrated plastic bearing designs
Designing to customer specification, BNL specialise in integrated plastic bearing designs that combine features and functions. BNL’s custom designs for Microchip’s KoD™ products can match mating parts specifications, meet space and haptic requirements, allow customer-specific sensor integration and reduce component count and cost. Custom attachments to mating parts such as clips and screws, can be integrated and moulded into raceways, and the centre space can be open or closed for LED’s or screen information.
Read more about BNL’s Rotational Touchscreen Controls & KoD™ bearings for Microchip
Read more about BNL’s Automotive Control Knob Bearings
Read more about BNL’s plastic bearing designs and capabilities
Microchip Co. Profile
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve more than 120,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. 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
BNL Co. Profile
BNL is the world leader in specialist plastic bearing solutions and has been at the cutting-edge of plastic bearing technology for more than 50 years. We design and manufacture high-quality plastic bearings and assemblies for global players in various industries including Steering Columns, Automotive Controls & Domestic Appliances.
BNL’s headquarters are in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire with additional offices in the USA, Japan and China. We also have purpose-built manufacturing facilities in Knaresborough, Shanghai and Rayong, Thailand.
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