Cirrus Logic launches haptic and sensing technology solutions
Cirrus Logic, a specialist supplier of haptic technology, is looking to provide an immersive touch experience for applications in automotive, augmented and virtual reality, gaming, personal computers and wearables.
The company's new CS40L25 family of boosted haptic drivers has been developed to enable OEMs to create customised user experiences beyond the single-action response of today’s mechanical buttons.
“Consumer devices have become slimmer and more display-driven, and advanced haptics are evolving to offer consumers a richer, more tactile experience,” explained Harsha Rao, Cirrus Logic manager, Haptics and Sensing. “Cirrus Logic’s haptic solutions feature low-latency, boost voltage and closed-loop control algorithms that enable customized waveforms to trigger a variety of fast, unique haptic feedback responses. Whether it’s an immersive first-person gaming experience or a distinct smartphone vibration that identifies the caller, our advanced haptics can create a crisp click that just feels better to the user.”
The new haptic solutions from Cirrus Logic can help to create context-aware “virtual” buttons for almost any surface. By eliminating mechanical buttons, product designers can create cleaner, sleeker industrial design aesthetics with no button “bumps.”
Many smartphone designers are leading this behind-the-screen design evolution to increase haptic feedback solutions by replacing peripheral button functions. Automobiles, PCs, wearables and game controllers are also moving beyond traditional button interfaces to incorporate non-mechanical haptic feedback.
The company's CS40L25 products integrate a high-performance haptic driver, a digital signal processor and a boost converter. The devices are resonance-aware, drive high-performance linear resonant actuators (LRAs) and voice coil motors (VCMs), and are able to enhance the user experiences by supporting unique/pre-stored haptic waveforms. Ultra-low latency, real-time control of the haptic motor provides users with a more immediate sensation or response. Closed loop algorithms maximize LRA effectiveness and enable strong and consistent haptics with a crisper, less “buzzy” effect.
The CS40L25 family of products includes:
CS40L25-CWZR and CS40L25B-CWZR ICs in 30-ball WLCSP packages for mobile and portable applications, now shipping in volume
CS40L25B-CNZR commercial-grade 32-pin QFN product for PC/laptop and other general market applications, currently sampling
CS40L25B-DNZ AEC-Q100 automotive-qualified variant in a 32-pin QFN package with wettable flanks for infotainment applications such as touch buttons and touch screens.
Author
Neil Tyler
