Himax Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: HIMX) unveiled the HX83196/HX83197 series, an industry-leading automotive Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI) with high-speed embedded DisplayPort (eDP) interface support.

The fabless semiconductor manufacturer announced the new solution on Sept. 8, 2026, from Tainan, Taiwan. The chips integrate touch, display driver, and eDP transmission functions into a single unit to address demands for large-format, high-resolution displays in next-generation smart cars.

Technical Specifications

The new eDP TDDI adopts eSRE (eDP Stream Regeneration Engine) technology. This allows direct reception and transmission of high-bandwidth eDP signals, enabling cascaded configurations for flexible system design.

The HX83197 variant incorporates local dimming technology into the TDDI. This eliminates the need for an additional timing controller (Tcon), enhancing contrast and detail while improving cost efficiency.

System Architecture Benefits

Integrating an eDP 1.2 interface removes the requirement for an eDP-to-OLDI bridge IC used in conventional architectures. For single-display applications, the chip supports a Direct DP architecture. This allows the system-on-chip (SoC) to transmit eDP signals directly to the TDDI over a single cable without an additional SerDes, simplifying design and reducing costs.

The solution integrates eDP 1.4 Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology. This reduces bit rate and power consumption associated with high-resolution image transmission and helps mitigate electromagnetic interference (EMI). Support for HDR10+ enhances contrast across bright and dark areas.

Additionally, the architecture supports an on-panel Ambient Light Sensor (ALS). Placing the ALS directly on the panel frees up display bezel space for a streamlined design.

Market Position

Ming-Cheng Chiu, Executive Vice President of the Touch and Display Business Unit at Himax, stated the company has been engaged in the automotive display IC market for nearly two decades. He noted that multiple customer projects are already underway as the market trends toward larger, higher-resolution displays.

Himax plans to showcase the new eDP TDDI at the upcoming SID Vehicle Displays and Interfaces Symposium in Detroit, U.S.

Himax Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: HIMX) and WAFERLOCK Corp (TPEx: 6474) have launched the WAFERLOCK L322 smart lock, integrating Himax’s WiseEye palm vein biometric authentication technology. The collaboration brings contactless, highly secure identity verification to the smart lock market, targeting homes, residential communities, and smart buildings. The L322 is now commercially available.

The partnership leverages Himax’s expertise in endpoint AI and ultralow power sensing with WAFERLOCK’s vertical integration in smart lock manufacturing. This combination aims to address growing demand for authentication solutions that offer high accuracy, spoof resistance, and strong privacy protection without relying on cloud connectivity.

Product Features and Technology

The WAFERLOCK L322 supports multiple access methods alongside palm vein recognition, including RFID cards, PIN codes, mechanical keys, and an optional mobile app. It is compatible with EasyCard, iPASS, and MIFARE contactless cards, catering to diverse residential scenarios.

Palm vein authentication verifies identity by reading unique vein patterns beneath the skin. Unlike fingerprint sensors, this method is less affected by perspiration, skin conditions, or age-related changes. The technology includes liveness detection to prevent identity spoofing or credential theft.

Himax’s WiseEye solution performs image capture, feature matching, and identity verification directly on the device using an ultralow power AI processor and advanced algorithms. This on-device processing eliminates the need for cloud connectivity, enhancing user privacy and system security while maintaining real-time responsiveness.

Market Context

WAFERLOCK operates in more than 25 countries with over 100 distribution partners. Its products meet international standards, including U.S. ANSI Grade 1 certification and European standards EN 15684 and EN 16867. Selected products offer IP68-rated water and dust resistance.

Mark Chen, Vice President of Smart Sensing Business at Himax, stated that demand for palm vein biometric technology is expected to increase as customers seek contactless operation and high accuracy. Himax plans to expand the use of WiseEye technology across a broader range of smart locks and intelligent edge devices.