EDNE June 2012 - (Page 36)

Your question: What does the ¸RTO have to offer at 4 GHz bandwidth? Our answer: The best precision and acquisition rate in its class. The new ¸RTO model is a powerful solution for developing digital, analog and RF designs. The extremely low-noise frontend offers the full measurement bandwidth of 4 GHz even at the smallest scaling (1 mV/div). The dynamic range (ENOB > 7 bit) is outstanding, as is the acquisition rate of 1 million waveforms per second. Fast FFT analysis, high dynamic range and a maximum bandwidth of 4 GHz also make the new ¸RTO ideal for frequency domain measurement. For more information, visit: www.scope-of-the-art.com/ad/faq-rto4 controller must drive both the X and the Y lines. In mutual capacitance, the controller transmits into the X lines and receives on the Y lines. Because the TrueTouch controller IC uses Cypress’ PSoC (programmablesystem-on-chip) core, the controller can dynamically configure its I/O pins and turn the transmitters into receivers on the fly. Thus, the controller can sense in both modes—selfand mutual capacitance—whenever the controller scans the sensor’s grid panel. Combining self-capacitance sensing with mutual capacitance allows for multitouch capability even with hands wearing thick ski gloves. This ability raises the question of how safe touchscreens in automobiles are (see sidebar “Q&A on auto safety and touchscreens with JD Power”). Touchscreens in cars, at 10 in. or more diagonally, are usually larger than smartphone touchscreens, which are typically about 4 in. Atmel’s MaxTouch line of touchscreen controllers includes the mXT768E and mXT540E automotive-qualified controllers for 5- to 10-in. touchscreens in center-stack displays, navigation systems, and back-seat entertainment systems. Conventional controllers for capacitive touchscreens require a shield layer within the multilayer touchscreen to prevent noise coupling from the LCD. Atmel claims that the MaxTouch devices offer a signal-to-noise ratio of 80-to-1, eliminating the need for a shield layer and enabling a single-layer sensor Q&A oN AuTo sAfETy ANd TouChsCrEENs wiTh Jd PowEr C omments on a recent blog post on new touchscreen-controller products raised questions about how safe touchscreens are in vehicles, in which drivers should keep their eyes on the road (reference A). Mike VanNieuwkuyk, executive director for global automotive research at market researcher Jd Power and Associates, recently answered the following questions for EDN. Touchscreens seem to require that drivers look at them during use because they lack the built-in “feel” of knobs and pushbuttons. does this lack make them more hazardous than dedicated hardware interfaces? Certainly, any technology that removes the driver’s attention from the road introduces some level of driver distraction. The position of the screen, screen size, icon/screen buttons, text size, [and the like] all affect the effectiveness of a touchscreen. However, there are also features that can be integrated with the use of a touchscreen that provide the driver with feedback to ensure that the proper/positive execution of a control is achieved. The feedback can be in the form of an audible response, such as a tone, click, [or] confirming voice; a visual response, such as a light indicating active/on; or a tactile response via actuators that provide a vibration [or] thump. These feature characteristics can be tied into the use of a touchscreen to confirm to the consumer that the intended control was used and the desired result was achieved. Touchscreens are infinitely variable; interface designers have almost no limits on the size, number, and performance of screen functions. is there a steep learning curve for drivers using touchscreens, such as those on the Myford Touch [reference B]? With any new technology, there is a learning curve. Touchscreens do offer great flexibility and creativity. The possibilities for the use of touchscreens will come with some difficulty until the consumer becomes familiar with the interface. Many consumers are being exposed to touchscreen devices outside the automobile, which creates greater acceptance and high expectations. However, touchscreen use outside the automobile is highly interactive; within a a a 36 EDN EUROPE | June 2012 www.edn-europe.com http://www.scope-of-the-art.com/ad/faq-rto4 http://www.edn-europe.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of EDNE June 2012

Cover
Agilent Technologies
Contents
International Rectifier
RS Components
Masthead
International Rectifier
Comment
Pulse
Analog Devices
Digi-Key
Farnell
NXP
Test & Measurement
Silicon Labs
Digi-Key
Test-driven development for embedded C: why debug?
Digi-Key
Baker’s best
Cover story
Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz
Pico-projector design uses color LEDs
Digital isolation in smart energy metering applications
Mechatronics in design
Teardown
Design Idea
Product Roundup
Tales from the cube

EDNE June 2012