New haptic ICs enable sleek buttonless designs for various smartphones, PCs, wearables, gaming, Virtual Reality and automotive applications
To provide an immersive touch experience for applications in automotive, augmented and virtual reality, gaming, personal computers and wearables, the new Cirrus Logic CS40L25 family of boosted haptic drivers enables OEMs to provide functions more than what the single-action response of today’s mechanical buttons offer.
The CS40L25 products integrate a high-performance haptic driver, a digital signal processor and a boost converter. By eliminating mechanical buttons, product designers can create cleaner, sleeker industrial design aesthetics with no button “bumps.”
The devices are resonance-aware, drive high-performance linear resonant actuators (LRAs) and voice coil motors (VCMs), and enhance user experiences by supporting unique haptic waveforms. Ultra-low latency provides real-time control of the haptic motor. This provides users with a more immediate sensation or response. Closed loop algorithms maximise LRA effectiveness and enable strong and consistent haptics with a crisper, less “buzzy” effect.
CS40L25 family of products includes:
- CS40L25-CWZR and CS40L25B-CWZR ICs in 30-ball WLCSP packages for mobile and portable applications
- CS40L25B-CNZR commercial-grade 32-pin QFN product for PC/laptop and other general market applications
- 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
“Consumer devices have become slimmer and more display-driven, and advanced haptics is evolving to offer consumers a richer, more tactile experience,” said Harsha Rao, Cirrus Logic manager, Haptics and Sensing. “Our haptic solutions feature low-latency, boost voltage and closed-loop control algorithms that enable customised 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.”
Cirrus Logic’s CS40L25-CWZR and CS40L25B-CWZR are now shipping in volume while CS40L25B-CNZR and CS40L25B-DNZ are currently available for sampling.
Additionally, Cirrus Logic has begun sampling of its next-generation haptic product, which integrates force sensing and a haptic driver. The single-chip device is anticipated to improve performance, reduce power consumption and simplify system design with up to a 50-per cent reduction in the overall footprint of a smartphone haptic subsystem.
