New sizes and force levels for haptic feedback actuators

Today, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has expanded its IHPT solenoid-based haptic actuators featuring Immersion Corporation licenses, with five new devices providing additional sizes and force levels. Providing 12V operation for LCD displays, touchscreens, touch switches, and button control panels for HMI in automotive and commercial applications, the Vishay Custom Magnetics actuators deliver high pulse and vibration capability for clear, HD tactile feedback.

Available in four sizes from 29mm x 21mm to 44mm x 37mm – with variable force output up to 120 N – the devices feature a compact, two-piece construction with mounting holes for easy installation and direct application of force. The actuators' fast response time of 5ms – combined with their high mechanical force – enables them to produce HD haptic effects with operating voltages from 8V to 16V. The actuators are ideal for rugged, noisy environments where audio tones may not be sufficient to communicate actuation to the user. The devices feature a robust, rigid copper and iron core construction and high-temperature operation to +105C for high reliability in the most exacting of applications.

The Automotive Grade, AEC-Q200 qualified IHPT1411AFELR73ABA will be used in automotive dashboards and centre consoles and can provide tactile feedback for electronic shift transmissions, steering wheels, seats, and other in-vehicle controls. Typical applications for the IHPT1207AGELR39AB0, IHPT1710ACEL1R2AB0, IHPT1411AFELR73AB0, and IHPT1614ACEL2R7BB0 will include factory automation and control systems; consumer appliances and entertainment and health devices; and medical, defence, avionics, and studio audio equipment. Due to licensing restrictions, the actuators are not offered for certain applications, including gaming.

The electromagnetic devices' low nominal 12V operation eradicates the necessity for the additional high-voltage circuitry needed by other technologies. As a result, the series can be implemented at a lower cost than competing technologies – including linear resonant, linear wideband, eccentric rotating mass, and piezo actuators – while lowering component height and delivering higher force density. The devices come bundled with Immersion licenses, so the design-in process is streamlined, and costs are reduced further by eradicating the necessity to purchase a separate license to implement sophisticated haptic effects.

The actuators can drive a 0.5kg load to 6g of acceleration with a 12V, 5ms pulse. Their driving coils offer inductance down 1.8mH, typical DCR down 0.95-Ohm, and a coil-to-core dielectric withstand voltage of 150VDC. RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green, the devices' standard lead terminations are dipped in 100 % tin solder. The company can customise the actuators' size, shape, and core material, number of windings, termination types, and performance to any design's specifications.