TI announces haptics-enabled MCUs

Texas Instruments has introduced its MSP430TCH5E haptics-enabled MCUs geared for applications built with vibrational feedback. Combined with an included license to Immersion's TouchSense 2200 software, the device claims to enable different haptics effects, including effect chaining and audio-to-haptics functionalities, stated the company.

In addition to Immersion's software, TI offers its own open-source Capacitive Touch Software Library as well as a PC-based MSP430 Capacitive Touch Pro GUI tool to evaluate, diagnose and tune capacitive touch button, slider and wheel designs in real time.

For systems development, Element14 is offering a HapTouch BoosterPack and SDK. Configured in a game controller form factor, the HapTouch Boosterpack combines MSP430TCH5E haptics MCUs with TI's DRV2603 haptic driver. As with other BoostPack's, the HapTouch BoosterPack can be plugged into TI's MSP430 Value Line LaunchPad evaluation kit for further development.

The MSP430TCH5E MCUs are available immediately for $1.25 in 1K units. The HapTouch BoosterPack is available exclusively from Element14 for $25.