AMIS to Develop an IC to Port Tyco Electronics' EloTouchSystems Acoustic Pulse Recognition (APR) Touch Technology to Small, Hand-Held and Mobile Devices
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20 December 2007
AMI Semiconductor to develop an integrated circuit to port Tyco Electronics' EloTouchSystems Acoustic Pulse Recognition (APR) touch technology to small, hand-held and mobile devices
HARRISBURG, Pa. and POCATELLO, Idaho -- Dec. 20, 2007 -- Tyco Electronics' Elo TouchSystems and AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) today announced they have entered into a joint development agreement to create an integrated circuit (IC). The chip will enable Elo TouchSystems to port Acoustic Pulse Recognition (APR) touch technology to small, hand-held and mobile devices commonly found in consumer electronics (including cell phones, PDAs, UPMCs), industrial hand-held devices, hand-held medical devices, NAV devices, white goods, portable gaming devices, and signature capture devices. AMI Semiconductor is a leading designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art mixed-signal and digital products, and a widely recognized innovator in ultra-low-power audio signal processing solutions. Elo TouchSystems has selected AMIS design services to develop an audio chip for its APR technology. Elo TouchSystems has applied its APR sound-in-surfaces technology to launch a new touch capability in its already extensive line of touchscreens, touchmonitors and touchcomputers, reinforcing the company's global leadership in this market.
The best just got better APR touch technology is based on the physical principle of recording the unique characteristics of a sound generated by a touch on a surface and comparing that to a pre-measured value, thus determining the location of that touch on the surface. Durable and scalable, APR technology already combines the best features of all currently available touch technologies into a single comprehensive solution. Ken North, Elo's director of engineering, believes that the partnership with AMIS will enable the best to get even better. "Elo is excited about working with AMI Semiconductor," says North. "It allows us to extend the boundaries in which our technologies operate."
Overcomes current shortcomings
According to North, the new integrated circuit will extend a singularly successful solution into a new market. Manufacturers of mobile and hand-held devices will now be given a third option over the existing capacitive and resistive technologies they currently use. "The advantage of APR in this arena," confirms North, "is that it can overcome such shortcomings as finger-only input (capacitive) and limitation of stylus and lack of durability (resistive). The development of an APR IC will provide manufacturers of mobile and hand-held devices with a more durable touchscreen that works with a finger or any stylus. Such an APR IC has the potential to enable Kanji writing and to scale screen size more effectively than other touch technologies - potentially accommodating displays from 1.8½ to over 65½."
Mixed-signal systems with a singular message
"We are excited to work with Elo TouchSystems on this opportunity," said Michel De Mey, senior director, hearing and audio solutions at AMI Semiconductor. "The combination of our design and audio expertise and the breakthrough Elo TouchSystems APR touch technology provides an innovative, ultra-low-power, reliable solution for the expanding touch screen market."
About Elo TouchSystems
Tyco Electronics' Elo TouchSystems broad portfolio comprises the largest selection of touchscreen technologies, touchmonitors and touchcomputers, specifically designed for the demanding requirements of diverse applications, such as industrial, medical, POS, kiosks, retail, hospitality, transportation, and gaming. Over 35 years ago, Elo invented the touchscreen and since then, has been recognized as the global leader in touch technology. For more information on Elo products and services, please contact 800-ELO-TOUCH (800-356-8682), visit www.elotouch.com or direct email inquiries to eloinfo@elotouch.com eloinfo@elotouch.com
About AMI Semiconductor
AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art mixed-signal and digital products, AMIS is committed to providing customers in the automotive, medical, industrial, mil/aero and communication markets with the optimal value, quickest time-to-market semiconductor solutions. AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centers located in the key markets of the North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
EloTouchSystems Communications Contact:
Lorna Wood
Elo TouchSystems
650.361.4948
llorna.wood@elotouch.com
AMIS U.S. Editorial Contact:
Tamera Drake
AMI Semiconductor
Tel: 208.234.6890
ttamera_drake@amis.com
AMIS European Editorial Contact:
Simon Flatt
Pinnacle Marketing
Tel: +44.20.8869.9229
simon@pinnaclemarcom.com
Cain Communications Contact:
Susan Cain
Tel: 503.538.2747
scain@caincom.com
