ClearPad provides thinner, multitouch experience to mobile users

Synaptics Inc. recently introduced ClearPad Series 3 and Series 4, its first batch of capacitive multitouch interface solutions designed for integrated displays. According to the company, on-cell and in-cell integrated displays allow users to seamlessly enable capacitive multitouch sensing in mobile devices. ClearPad Series 3 and Series 4 are both on-cell and in-cell display ready.

The ClearPad Series 4 combines Synaptics ClearPad multitouch technology with the display driver (DDI) into a single-chip solution that delivers advanced display noise management and best-in-class capacitive sensing performance. Synaptics' display integration solutions provide cost-effective capacitive multitouch interfaces for mobile devices and the thinnest form factor without the need for a discrete sensor.

Display-integrated touch enables customers to deliver a thinner, higher-performing, multitouch experience to the end user. Series 4 further expands the design options with touch-enabled DDI, enabling display manufacturers to develop their display product offerings with Synaptics touch interfaces.

"Integrating touch into display is the best way to lower cost, reduce components, reduce weight/thickness and improve performance," said Dr. Jennifer Colegrove, vice president, Emerging Display Technologies at DisplaySearch. "The worldwide market value of touch screen modules will reach about $14 billion in 2016, from $4.3 billion in 2009."

Synaptics is actively working with leading display companies to serve major OEMs worldwide. ClearPad Series 3 and Series 4 for display integration solutions will be available in the first half of 2011.

Toni McConnel
EE Times