Cypress Semiconductor released a new 32 bit MCU for automotive applications. The processor uses 40nm design rules for the first time (until now Cypress used 55nm) allowing the firm to incorporate more flash on the chip. This increases the flexibility and functionality for storing apps. The MCU also drives the display and also any optional HUD. Announcements were made as early as September 2015, but the chip has become available only now.
The other new product is an automotive touch controller with high accuracy and responsiveness. The controller drives the touch panel at 130 Hz which is twice the standard speed. This gives it a great response with no apparent lag when moving the finger over the touch panel. This could be judged by an app that showed the response measured by the controller. The controller also allows the use of the touch panel while wearing gloves as well with moisture / water on the touch panel surface. As a multitouch controller it can detect one finger in a glove and the other barehanded. The signal to noise ratio is about 10 to 1 and drops by a factor 2-3 when used with gloves.
The current solution does not offer haptic feedback on the touch panel, but Cypress is working on a solution for this as well. – NH
