Product category:
Rotary Controls, Joysticks etc
News Release from: ITT Interconnect Solutions | Subject: Pointing and navigation disk
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 08 July 2005
Disk device points to novel navigation
interface
ITT Industries, Electronic Components has developed an innovative 360-degree and N-way variable-rate pointing and navigation control technology for handheld and portable devices.
ITT Industries, Electronic Components has developed an innovative 360-degree and N-way variable-rate pointing and navigation control technology for handheld and portable devices This innovative technology provides human interface device technology to maximise functionality for end-users while meeting designers' criteria of durability, reliability, small form-factor, design flexibility and cost-effectiveness
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 1 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The pointing and navigation disk devices can significantly enhance handheld and portable device functionality and capabilities, allowing the addition of more advanced applications - such as GPS, Microsoft Office and gaming - through PC-mouse-like navigation.
The technology combines an electrically variable resistive rubber sensor, simple plastic components, mechanical design geometries and sophisticated firmware algorithm, all requiring minimal PCB space.
When a user deflects an actuator, it translates user motion and rolls in two dimensions on a circular resistive rubber sensing element that defines a contact location on a circular PCB electrical contact pad.
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The position of the actuator is accurately determined using the firmware algorithm.
This analogue output can be digitised and processed by virtually any standard processors.
"By incorporate 360-degree and N-way full variable-rate point or navigation control into their applications, appliance designers can significantly enhance the applications available to end users", said Bernd Steinebrunner, Director of Product Management, Dome Arrays and EL Lamps for ITT.
Although processors and memory were previously capable of supporting advanced, PC-like applications, the human interface portion had not been able to keep up with size constraints and other performance pressures.
This technology bridges the gap and creates a new realm of application possibilities for handheld and portable device manufacturers.
"ITT has a stellar reputation in the components industry", says Craig Vachon, the CEO of Varatouch.
"We are so pleased to partner with ITT to design analogue pointing devices, navigation disks and multiple interface solutions that improve on the digital services offered today".
"It's relationships like this that continue to make Varatouch innovative and successful in our key markets".
ITT's Ergo-NAV Control Technology is available in 360-degree or N-way full variable speed analogue control, with centre select and low power consumption, including instant wake up.
The simple electrical interface is received through five standard GPIOs and emitted through 8bit analogue-to-digital convertor.
It requires 8bit support (ported to a standard processor), or additional processors when employing I2C, PS2, UART or SPE interfaces.
The variable-rate pointing and navigation devices are designed for more than 3 million life cycles with high reliability and durability.
Design flexibility includes three options: a standard reference design (straight drop in); module design (reference design with customised actuator and without PCB); or fully custom solutions. Request a free brochure from ITT Interconnect Solutions ...
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