Disk device points to novel navigation interface
An ITT Interconnect Solutions product story
Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jul 8, 2005
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.
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.
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.
Not what you're looking for? Search the site.
Contact ITT Interconnect Solutions
Tel +1 617 926 6400
Other ITT Interconnect Solutions stories
- ITT shell protects K128 and K134 space connectors
ITT Interconnect Solutions has developed a machined aluminium shell for its K128 and K134 space connectors that reduces the possibility of misconnects during testing and final assembly. - ITT CoF filters provide platform for TVS connector
The chip-on-flex (CoF) filters from ITT Interconnect Solutions provide the framework for a new TVS surge suppression connector. - ITT introduces the Powerlock Box
ITT Interconnect Solutions has brought out the cost-effective Powerlock Box, which utilises only 2U of rack space in a 19in rack. - Frame kits and connectors meet CFast standard
ITT Interconnect has designed a line of two-piece, ultrasonic weld frame kits, to support the CFast standard for faster storage speeds. - Cable receptacles support KP circular connectors
ITT Interconnect Solutions is offering a selection of cable receptacles with solder-to-board contacts and plug connectors to support its KP series of circular connectors.
Articles by product category
- Active Components (11,579)
- Active Components (4)
- Analogue and Mixed Signal ICs (1,726)
- Communications ICs (Wired) (1,803)
- Discrete Power Devices (418)
- Programmable Logic Devices (597)
- Microprocessors, Microcontrollers and DSPs (2,157)
- Memory Devices and Modules (760)
- Power Supply ICs and Controllers (2,391)
- Communications ICs (Wireless) (1,578)
- Standard Logic Devices (145)
- Passive Components (3,138)
- Passive Components (1)
- Capacitors (682)
- EMC Components (407)
- Frequency Control Components (410)
- Electromechanical Components (571)
- Circuit Protection Devices (494)
- Resistors (315)
- Transformers and Inductors (258)
- Design and Development (9,476)
- Design and Development (1)
- Embedded Software and Operating Systems (1,673)
- Design and Development Hardware (1,030)
- Intellectual Property Cores (1,538)
- Reference Designs (351)
- Design and Development Software (4,578)
- Design Services (305)
- Enclosures and Panel Products (3,362)
- Enclosures and Panel Products (2)
- Handheld and Other Small Enclosures (137)
- Instrument Cases, Benchtop, Wall-Mounting Enclosures (338)
- Floor-Standing Racks, Cabinets, Enclosures (246)
- Fans and Blowers (223)
- Gaskets, Seals and Screens (123)
- Heatsinks and Thermal Management (198)
- LCD Modules (484)
- Monitors (132)
- Other OEM Display Modules, Meters (239)
- Switches and Keyboards (576)
- Rotary Controls, Joysticks etc (136)
- Indicators and Audio (79)
- Touchscreens and Touch Sensors (291)
- Printers, Knobs, Bezels, Other Panelware (151)
- Interconnection (3,028)
- Interconnection (10)
- Antennas and Feeders (304)
- Boards and Backplanes (153)
- Cables and Wires (455)
- PCB Connectors (598)
- Plugs and Sockets (1,174)
- Terminals and Power (279)
- Electronics Manufacturing, Packaging (3,182)
- Industry News (1,935)
- Optoelectronics (1,711)
- Power Supplies (2,461)
- Power Supplies (6)
- AC/DC Power Supplies (1,032)
- Batteries and Chargers (248)
- DC/DC Convertors (881)
- DC/AC Inverters (78)
- OEM Power Supplies (0)
- UPSs (216)
- Subassemblies (4,829)
- Subassemblies (2)
- VMEbus Boards, Assemblies (420)
- CompactPCI Boards, Assemblies (372)
- Embedded Computing and Control (1,261)
- Wireless Communications (1,075)
- Networking Hardware (906)
- PC-Compatible Boards, Assemblies (793)
- Test and Measurement (5,164)
- Test and Measurement (2)
- ATE Systems (392)
- Compliance Engineering (900)
- Sensors and Data Acquisition (901)
- Board-Level Instruments (542)
- Stand-Alone Instruments (2,008)
- Test Accessories (404)
