Microchip Enhances Security Features in Touchscreen Controllers for Electric Vehicle Chargers
Recently, Microchip disclosed its latest update to the maXTouch series of touchscreen controllers, now incorporating advanced security features specifically designed for electronic payment systems and including robust defenses against environmental and outdoor hazards.
ATMXT2952TD The maXTouch 2.0 controllers offer enhanced security capabilities. Image used courtesy of Microchip
Microchip has introduced the new MXT2952TD 2.0 devices, boasting "exceptional" noise immunity and compatibility with IK10-standard touchscreens that offer anti-glare and various protective features.
Enhanced Durability for Touchscreen Controllers in Outdoor Environments
Touchscreen systems and their controllers at outdoor EV charging stations need to endure harsh weather conditions and provide a dependable means for transmitting customer data to the operational backend. For example, moisture accumulation on the surface of a touchscreen can generate inaccurate inputs relayed to the controller.
Further issues such as "false touches" may occur when significant moisture accumulates on the touchscreen. Microchip's latest controllers, the ATMXT2952TD-C2UEN, are designed to counteract such disturbances and prevent incorrect touch detections, accommodating water layers up to 22 mm thick. The controller also boasts various advanced noise-cancellation features to ensure reliability during multi-touch use.
These advancements include a lens-bend algorithm to correct screen distortions, touch suppression to prevent unintended interactions, and self-capacitance sensing which caters to touch inputs from both bare fingers and gloved hands.
Condensation on touchscreens can adversely affect performance. Image used courtesy of Microchip
According to the product brief, this device is capable of supporting touchscreen displays up to 21 inches and features automatic touch sensor diagnostics through a dedicated output pin.
Another key issue for outdoor touchscreens is vandalism. To address this, the ATMXT2952TD 2.0 is designed to operate with 6-mm thick, IK10-standard glass displays. An IK10 rating, as per standard IEC 62262, represents the highest protection against external mechanical impacts, ensuring durability against vandalism.
|
K Code |
IK00 |
IK01 |
IK02 |
IK03 |
IK04 |
IK05 |
IK06 |
IK07 |
IK08 |
IK09 |
IK10 |
| Impact Energy (Jules) | –– |
0,14 |
0,2 |
0,35 |
0,5 |
0,7 |
1 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 20 |
| Weight (g) | –– | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 500 | 500 | 1700 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Impact Height (cm) | –– |
7.5 |
10 |
17.5 |
25 | 35 | 20 | 40 |
29.5 |
20 | 40 |
Enhanced Security Upgrades in the 2.0 Series
The upgraded MXT2952TD 2.0 touchscreen controllers enhance the protection of sensitive customer data by employing encryption for touch data and cryptographic verification of software updates. This advancement enables the incorporation of secure credit card payment functionalities within touchscreen-based EV charging stations.
The 2.0 series facilitates the execution of firmware directly on the controller, which helps to eliminate vulnerabilities such as man-in-the-middle attacks that might occur when components like RFID readers and touchscreen controllers are mounted on separate physical PCBs.
Man-in-the-middle attacks are a particular vulnerability of complex electronic systems. Image used courtesy of Invicti
A man-in-the-middle attack involves a malicious entity intercepting
communication between two devices to steal personal information. With
the 2.0 series, firmware operates directly on the controller, omitting
the need for distinct RFID and controller circuits. In practical
applications, this means a user can securely input a PIN on the
touchscreen and authenticate payment directly.
