Cirrus Logic introduces a line of advanced tactile and sensing integrated circuits

Cirrus Logic announced the launch of its advanced haptic and sensing integrated circuit product line, designed to leverage its technological advantages in low-power, low-latency mixed-signal processing to enhance the overall user experience of consumer devices. Cirrus Logic's haptic products and advanced haptic feedback technology reduce mechanical control of devices, make designs more stylish and products more durable, resulting in new responsive and immersive user experiences.

As a leader in haptic technology for smartphones, Cirrus Logic is now further expanding its haptic and sensing expertise to deliver immersive haptic experiences for in-vehicle, augmented and virtual reality, gaming, personal computer and wearable device applications. The new Cirrus Logic CS40L25 Boost haptic driver family enables Oems to go beyond the single-click response of today's physical keys to create customized user experiences.

"Consumer devices are getting slimmer and more display-driven," said Harsha Rao, business manager for Haptic and sensing at Cirrus Logic. Advanced haptic technologies are also evolving to provide consumers with a richer, more tactile experience. Cirrus Logic's haptic solutions feature low latency, boost, and closed-loop control algorithms that customize waveforms to trigger a variety of fast, unique haptic feedback responses. "Whether it's an immersive first-person gaming experience or a smartphone vibration that recognizes a caller, our advanced haptic technology delivers crisp clicks that make the user feel better."

Applications are not limited to smartphones

Cirrus Logic's new haptic solution helps create context-aware "virtual" keys on almost any surface. By eliminating physical buttons, product designers can achieve a cleaner, sleeker industrial design aesthetic. Many smartphone designers are leading the evolution of this behind-the-scenes design by replacing peripheral button functions to add haptic feedback solutions. Cars, PCS, wearables and game consoles are also moving beyond traditional keystroke interfaces to non-mechanical haptic feedback.

Cirrus Logic's CS40L25 product integrates a high-performance haptic driver, a digital signal processor, and a boost converter. Based on the resonant frequency of the motor, these devices drive high-performance linear resonance exciters (LRA) and voice coil motors (VCM) to enhance the user experience with unique pre-stored haptic waveforms. Ultra-low latency enables real-time control of the tactile motor, which provides the user with a more direct feeling or reaction. The closed-loop algorithm maximizes the performance of the LRA and enables a strong and consistent sense of touch with crisper, less "buzz."

The Cirrus Logic CS40L25 product family includes:

● The CS40L25-CWZR and CS40L25B-CWZR ics in 30-ball WLCSP packages for mobile and portable applications are now available in bulk

● CS40L25B-CNZR in commercial-grade 32-pin QFN package for PC/laptop and other general-market applications, available samples

● CS40L25B-DNZ AEC-Q100 in automotive grade variable with wettable side climb 32-pin QFN package for infotainment applications such as touch keys and touch screens, available samples

The Cirrus Logic haptic product portfolio has been further expanded

Harsha Rao said that given the strong interest in differentiated haptic feedback capabilities, new consumer devices with Cirrus Logic haptic drivers are expected to be launched in 2020. In addition, Cirrus Logic recently began offering samples of its next-generation haptic product, which integrates pressure sensing and haptic drivers. The single-chip device is expected to improve performance, reduce power consumption and simplify system design, reducing the total size of the smartphone's haptic subsystems by up to 50 percent.