Vishay introduces small touch feedback actuator with high force density and high resolution for touch screens, simulators and joysticks

Recently, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. announced the launch of a new customizable touch feedback actuator for commercial touch screens, joysticks and touch switch panels, the IHPT-1411AF-AB0. Vishay's custom electromagnetic IHPT-1411AF-AB0 is a small two-piece structure with mounting holes for easy installation and direct operation. It has high shock pulse and vibration capabilities and can provide clear tactile feedback in noisy environments or any occasion where a mechanical response to an action is required. This touch feedback actuator has an operating temperature of up to +105 °C, making it an ideal choice for harsh environments.

IHPT-1411AF-AB0 is an electromagnetic device that converts electrical energy into mechanical pulses or vibration signals for touch operation, which vary with the power level and input voltage duty cycle. The touch coil assembly generates a magnetic field under the excitation of a DC voltage pulse, which attracts the installed moving magnetic core. After power is removed, a spring assembly provided by the customer returns the magnetic core to its original position.

The device has an adjustable fast response time of less than 5 ms, can produce a variety of high-resolution (HD) tactile effects, and is rated for 12 V operation with a maximum voltage of 16 V. Typical end products include LCD displays used in industrial appliances, building and factory automation control systems, and electronic retail terminals (POS), medical monitoring, diagnostic and surgical equipment, handheld radios, game or analog controllers, and barcode scanners. Applications also include rotary or joystick control devices, as well as touch switches and button control panels.

The IHPT-1411AF-AB0 skeleton and core assembly have a simple structure, which allows designers to adjust the spring and housing layout. The housing is integrated with the display firmware, and no additional housing is required, making it outstanding in terms of low cost, low component height and high force density compared with competing technologies, including linear resonance, linear broadband, eccentric rotating mass and piezoelectric actuators. In addition, Vishay can also provide worry-free fixed IHPT devices, including return springs and mounting holes, for quick installation in customer applications.

The device released today can drive a 0.5 kg load to 6 g acceleration at 12 V, 5 ms pulse conditions; competing technologies can only drive 0.1 kg to 0.2 kg loads to this level. The drive coil inductance is 1.8 mH, the typical DC resistance (DCR) is 0.95 W, and the insulation withstand voltage between the coil and the core is 150 VDC. The new actuator is RoHS-compliant and Vishay Green compliant, halogen-free, and uses 100% solder-dipped standard lead terminations. Vishay can customize the IHPT-1411AF-AB0 mounting direction, termination type, and performance to any design specification.

Samples and production quantities of the new haptic feedback actuators are available now, with lead times of 12 weeks.