Date: 24/01/2009

Leadis introduces new capacitive touch interface controller

Leadis has introduced the new LDS6018 and LDS6048 capacitive controllers, two new TouchSense-ready members of the PureTouch family. The LDS6018 is a programmable touch controller with integrated TouchSense-ready haptic driver for use with capacitive sensor arrays implementing touch-based input controls including sliders, scroll wheels, and buttons. The LDS6048 offers the same functionality as the LDS6018, with the addition of integrated keypad LED driver functionality. Both devices feature 15 sensor inputs, fast update rates of 2ms per sensor input, and on-chip automatic calibration logic to continuously monitor the environment and adjust ambient baseline levels for increased touch accuracy.

Eight of the 15 sensor inputs on the LDS6048 are configurable as LED drivers capable of driving up to 8mA of current, with > 60mA available for a single LED by combining multiple LED drivers together. Automatic LED activation upon a valid touch is achieved by associating an LED driver to a sensor input. A full array of dimming options is also supported.

The LDS6018 and LDS6048 offer low power consumption without the introduction of touch latencies. Each device consumes less than 150uW of power (typical) in full power mode (touch sensor power consumption, haptics driver in shutdown). Both devices are packaged in 5mm x 5mm 40ld TQFN packages with maximum thickness of 0.8mm.

Leadis also said in its press release, it has signed a new agreement with Immersion Corporation to enable rapid implementation of high-quality haptic feedback in capacitive touch enabled devices ranging from portable devices, such as mobile phones and personal navigation devices, to non-mobile products, such as multi-function printers and white goods.

Under the agreement, Leadis receives a license for Immersion's proprietary TouchSense Player and Haptics Effect Library which will extend to customers purchasing Leadis' haptic driver integrated capacitive touch controllers. Combining software and hardware into a single offering allows end-product manufacturers to quickly incorporate a standard library of tactile feedback effects for capacitive touch inputs. Optional professional service packages will also be offered for customers desiring custom effects or optimization for non-standard implementations.

The previously announced LDS6010 (touch controller with integrated TouchSense-ready haptic driver) and LDS6040 (touch controller with integrated TouchSense-ready haptic driver and keypad LED drivers) will support portable implementations requiring up to 3.6V direct drive voltage. The newly announced LDS6018 and LDS6048 will support non-mobile applications requiring more powerful actuators and higher direct drive voltages up to 5.5V. Both LDS6018 and LDS6048 contain 15 sensor input channels and an integrated TouchSense-ready haptic driver, with the LDS6048 adding keypad LED driver functionality on eight of the 15 sensor inputs.

The leadis website is www.leadis.com