Ultraslim scroll wheel suits handheld devices

Avago Technologies has introduced an easy-to-use ultraslim scroll wheel input device for use in mobile phones, portable audio and video players and entertainment consoles. This scroll wheel device incorporates an integrated five-way tactile switch in a compact ultraslim package to provide easy directional navigation, menu scrolling and function selection. The device is claimed to be the thinnest in the industry at 1.95-by-18.5mm and can easily fit in handheld device designs where space is limited.

Avago said its AMRX-1500 combines a scroll wheel with tactile left, right, up and down navigation switches and a center "select" button to enhance user experience. The device incorporates patented reflective optical technology that detects the direction and speed of the rotational movement of the rotary dial. This input device solution simplifies continuous scrolling and navigation of long lists or menus with the use of only one hand—making it suitable for portable handheld devices. In addition to improved navigation and aesthetics, the small-footprint requirements of the AMRX-1500 will allow room for larger display screens in portable designs.

The AMRX-1500 scroll wheel device is built around Avago's reflective optical technology. The horizontal scroll wheel provides a two-channel quadrature output, with resolution of 45 cycles per revolution (CPR). It operates from a single 2.4-3.3V supply and provides a single-ended 1.8V CMOS logic compatible output. It is easy to assemble, featuring plug-and-play connectivity through a flexible PCB and requiring no signal adjustment. To maximize battery life, the device features a power-down mode in which it draws only 4?A. The Avago AMRX-1500 is RoHS-compliant and Pb-free.