Ultra-thin actuator provides fast haptic feedback for wearables

Mouser now stocks the PiezoHapt ultra-thin actuator from TDK. Expanding TDK’s portfolio of haptic devices, including the PowerHap actuator, the device is one of the world's thinnest haptic products available today. With a thickness of only 0.35 mm and a very short response time of just four milliseconds, the device is more energy efficient and significantly thinner than linear resonance actuators and conventional eccentric motors. The actuator is based on a unimorph design that comprises of a multilayer piezo element fixed to one side of a vibration plate. This structure allows the device to adapt to temperature and shape challenges and allows it to receive a clear response while still driving with low voltage. The device can be run with voltages as low as 24V and can provide a variety of vibration patterns depending on the frequency and amplitude of the voltage applied. At a frequency of 200Hz and a voltage of 24V peak, the actuator allows a typical displacement of 65µm (without load). The company’s ultra-thin actuator is offered in an 80mm × 60mm vibration plate size and offers an ideal power-saving haptic solution. Giving a wide range of vibration patterns, the device is perfect for haptic feedback applications in devices such as wearables, smartphones, tablets, touchpads, displays, and industrial controls.