EVC User Interfaces must be absolutely flawless
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Mar 21, 2022
Having developed an Electric Vehicle Charging Station display solution that is clearly readable in outdoor conditions, the last thing you want to do is frustrate the user with sub-standard touchscreen operation.
Choosing the right touch controller IC is the first step to ensure an optimal touch performance for your LCD display and needs to be as individual as each customer and tailored to their particular product application needs.
How to improve touch responsiveness
The touch controller IC is in fact that circuit which processes the input signals and there are various grades available on the market. EVC stations benefit from industrial grade ICs which can be finely tuned to support gloved input and anti-noise capability.
The key factors we will consider when helping you select the right touch IC include:
- Touchscreen technology
- Display size
- Coverlens material and thickness
- Water resistant, wet finger and gloved operation
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Reliable touch operation in the rain
One of the main environmental concerns for EVC touchscreens is operation in the rain. By conducting extensive testing, we are able to fine tune the IC firmware to ensure raindrops are seen as false touches, and human touches (with and without gloves), are correctly reported as real user inputs.
Whether you work with or without gloves, Capacitive touch panel performance behind protective cover glass is now exceptionally good. Getting the most out of your touch screen under these circumstances does take a bit of thought though and that is where Anders can help.
Overcoming Electromagnetic Interference
Electromagnetic compatibility is all about ensuring that individual electronic devices do not prevent each other from working correctly when being used in the same vicinity. The principle is easy enough to understand: nobody wants effects like power-supply noise from one device interfering with the correct operation of another device.
Meeting electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations can be particularly challenging; the user causes disturbance by touching the touchscreen, and this must be detected and reported to the system as an intentional touch event, whereas the system must also be immune to disturbances such as noise coupled through connected cables. In addition, ESD immunity must be assured and, where there is touch, user safety demands extra consideration.
As user-interface design experts, we have acquired a broad and deep understanding of applicable regulations and test specifications, and how they impact on design decisions.
Designing with compliance in mind from the start of the project saves a lot of wasted time and resources later in the project.
To find out more on designing with EMC in mind, take a look at our whitepaper.
