Microchip Eases Design and Manufacturing with Small Form-Factor MPU-Based System-on-Module

As the embedded market continues to grow rapidly and evolve, developers are seeking to optimize product development, or they may need to transition from a microcontroller (MCU) to a microprocessor (MPU) to handle increased processing requirements. The new Microchip system-on-module SAM9X60D1G-SOM is an ARM926EJ-S-based embedded MPU running up to 600 MHz with software available with bare metal or RTOS support, and complete Linux mainlined distributions.

Microchip Technology launched a new maXTouch Knob on Display (KoD) controller, the first automotive-grade touchscreen controller family to natively support the detection and reporting of capacitive rotary encoders, as well as mechanical switches on top of a touch panel. Unlike traditional mechanical rotary encoders, this new technology enables the mounting of the knob directly onto the display without an opening in the panel or any customization of the touch pattern, increasing design flexibility.

To better meet the need for safe, intuitive and easy-to-use user interfaces within automotive dashboards, designers are continuing to consolidate the vehicle’s cluster, center stack and co-driver displays into very wide screens. Supporting both LCD and OLED displays, Microchip’s latest maXTouch touchscreen controller reduces integration complexity and cost for ultrawide touch displays up to 45 inches.

Chirp, the pioneers in data-over-sound, have joined forces with one of the leading companies in human machine interface (HMI) hardware and software solutions, Synaptics, in an effort to bring low-powered connectivity to consumer smart home devices. The collaboration targets seamless smart device experiences by embedding Chirp’s data-over-sound software into Synaptics’ edge computing SoCs.

XMOS Ltd, a leading vendor in voice capture solutions for the OEM consumer electronics market, has successfully complete a $15M Series-E funding round. The round was led by Infineon Technologies with additional funding from existing investors Amadeus Capital Partners, Draper Esprit, Foundation Capital and Robert Bosch Venture Capital. Following previous platform cooperations, Infineon Technologies AG acquired a minority stake in the company, strengthening the strategic partnership.

The market for anything related to far-field voice solutions has never been hotter, and acquisitions are a natural result of the increasing demand for those cutting edge technologies and engineering talent. Conexant Systems, a leading provider of audio and voice technology solutions based in Irvine, CA, announced an agreement to be acquired by Synaptics. Meanwhile, Synaptics also acquired the video and audio processing division of Marvell Technology Group.