TDK Corp. and Immersion Corp. demonstrate the ability to incorporate a variety of haptic effects on a large touchscreen using a single piezoelectric actuator at the Consumer Electronics Show 2020.

The reference design demonstrator showcases the use of advanced haptics to create realistic touch feedback for buttons, dials, switches, and textures in programmable automotive human-machine interfaces (HMIs). According to analyst reports, almost every new passenger car is sold with a center stack touchscreen. Programmable, digital touchscreens provide automakers with greater ability to deliver new user experiences in-car interfaces, move to a more streamlined interior design, and reduce costs associated with fixed buttons.

Haptic technology provides natural, direct, and responsive user feedback on flat screens and surfaces, making it easier and safer for drivers and passengers to interact with the car's interface. The reference design demonstrator is built with TDK's PowerHap™ piezo actuator and Immersion's Active Sensing™ technology. The PowerHap piezo actuator is a powerful small-form-factor actuator that provides high-quality haptic performance.

Its compact design is made for applications ranging from mobile devices to heavy industrial or automotive displays. Active Sensing technology provides real-time control over actuator vibrations enabling clean, crisp, and instant responses to a user's interaction. The haptic system design solution uses a robust algorithm to react to the actuator's current state, making command decisions every sub-millisecond to produce high-fidelity haptic effects.