Controller Points The Way For Internet Appliances April 2000 Issue Published Date: April 01, 2000
Enabling use of pointing sticks in handheld products, cell phones and wireless Internet appliances, the PixiPoint Z Serial chip is an advanced encoder for strain gauge miniature joysticks with z-axis functionality. The serial pointing stick controller allows users to point and "tap-to-select" with a single finger, something cell phone users normally have to do with arrow keys. The IC operates with a 3V to 5V supply and dissipates <3 mA, even in its highest power consumption mode. Equipped with a motion algorithm that is said to provide smooth, accurate cursor control in all directions, the chip implements Tap (select), Double Tap (execute) and Press Hold (drag) functions within the controller. No special serial drivers are needed to access the "Z" functions. However, extra transistors can be used to translate to full-swing RS-232 to make prototyping more convenient. Price of the 32-pin plastic LQFP is under $4 each in OEM quantities.
