Knowles: MEMS-based device brings the feel of a real joystick to mobile devices
It’s no surprise that one of the more popular pastimes for the owners of smartphones and tablets is playing electronic games — think Angry Birds — and serious gamers are eager to embrace mobile technology too. The problem is, the touch interface such devices rely on is awkward; your fingers are likely to get in the way of the action. And while some handheld devices are employing optical sensors, their lack of physical feedback slows down reaction times.
Enter the KJ-33000 from Knowles Acoustics — an ultra-low-power MEMS-based joystick in a package that’s only 9.8 x 9.8 x 1.6 mm. The device converts the joystick button movement — up to 1 mm from its center — into two 4-bit digital values representing X and Y displacements, while giving the user the feel of a real stick with 360° variable-speed scrolling and navigation.
To support hours of play and work, the KJ-33000 has been designed to operate at extremely low power. Its current consumption is only 40 μA during active mode and a mere 3 μA in sleep mode. That reduces battery drain by a factor of 25 compared to optical joysticks and by 200 compared to Hall-effect sensors.
Knowles , Itasca , IL
Information 630-250-5100
Advertisement
Learn more about Knowles
