May 24 2013
Interlink Electronics, Inc. announced today that its wide range of human-machine interface solutions is ideally suited for the rugged devices market. With a growing need for rugged devices to support businesses and mission critical processes, Interlink offers to the market a range of touchpads, mouse & pointing devices, and force & position sensors designed to operate in difficult environments like process industries, construction sites, law enforcement or field service applications.
Interlink Electronics' human - machine interface solutions are designed to be implemented in rugged notebooks, ruggedized handheld terminals & PDA's, tablet PC's and rugged system components & boards and they can be used with a finger, stylus, or glove in wet and dirty environments.
The solutions include:
VersaPad®, Interlink's resistive touchpad that uses a unique pressure-sensing technology enabling exceptionally light touch and smooth tracking. Unaffected by moisture and other contaminants, VersaPad® is operable with any glove or passive stylus, and can be environmentally sealed to NEMA 4X / IP65 standards. This compelling combination makes the VersaPad® ideally suited to harsh environments.
The Force Sensing Linear Potentiometer (FSLP) Sensor is Interlink's solution for capturing position and force simultaneously in compact applications. The FSLP simplifies input design saves critical room and saves battery life. The sensor's tough, moisture resistant surface can also be used with finger, stylus or glove even in harsh environments. FSLP with its rugged design, high resolution, low power consumption and ease of integration is ideal for ruggedized hand held terminals & PDA's, rugged notebooks, tablet PC's and rugged mobile phones. In addition the combination of multiple functions in a single component can reduce weight which is a critical aspect of rugged device design.
The 4-Zone Force Sensing Resistor (FSR®) paired with a suitable actuator can be implemented as a finger-actuated "mouse" pointing module. This pointing module provides accurate 360-degree mouse control. With fully configurable user control, ultra-thin mounting profile and low current use, 4-zone Sensor can be successfully implemented in rugged system components & boards, rugged notebooks and ruggedized hand held terminals.
Interlink Electronics FSR® 400 series is the most versatile force sensor technology on the market. FSRs are robust polymer thick film (PTF) two-wire devices that exhibit a decrease in resistance with increase in the force applied to the surface of the sensor. This force is optimized for use in human touch control of electronic devices in diverse applications such as various rugged and industrial devices, medical systems, electronics, automotive and robotics. FSR® 400 sensors are cost effective, ultra thin, robust, simple & easy to integrate into a wide range of user interface and data capture solutions.
"At Interlink we understand rugged device performance requirements very well and we will continue to develop products that meet and exceed our customers' expectations", commented Steven N Bronson, Interlink Electronics CEO. "Our range of products provide significant added value to our customers in the HMI market".
Interlink Electronics is a world leader in the design of patented Force-Sensing Resistor (FSR®) technology. For over 28 years, Interlink Electronics' solutions have focused on handheld user input, menu navigation, cursor control, & other intuitive interface technologies for the world's top electronics manufacturers. Interlink Electronics has a 16-year track record of supplying human machine interface (HMI) solutions for mission-critical and rugged applications.
Source: http://www.interlinkelectronics.com/