Joystick Module is based on contactless sensing technology.

Press Release Summary:




Intended for portable communication devices, EasyPoint(TM) consists of mechanical stack incorporating navigation knob with magnet and 2D magnetic encoder IC (AS5011). Design promotes mechanical reliability, and product itself supports true 360° range of movement. Modules encompass Select function and come in 2 mechanical versions. Sizes range from 12.5 x 12.6 mm to 18.6 x 22.6 mm and support 1 and 2 mm knob displacement, respectively.



Original Press Release:



austriamicrosystems Announces Its New EasyPoint(TM) Joystick Module Based on Contactless Sensing Technology



AS5011, a new two dimensional magnetic encoder IC, is at the heart of the EasyPointTM joystick module aimed at portable communication devices

Unterpremstaetten, Austria (July 9, 2009) - austriamicrosystems (SIX: AMS), a leading global designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs for automotive, communication, industrial and medical applications, today unveils EasyPointTM, a joystick module aimed at portable communication devices.

EasyPointTM consists of a mechanical stack incorporating a navigation knob with a magnet and the AS5011, a contactless sensing IC. Its simple construction, and the contactless sensing technique implemented by the AS5011, means that the module offers very high mechanical reliability. The EasyPointTM joystick modules support true 360 degree range of movement, encompass a "select" function and can be housed in a variety of form factors, with a module height as low as 1.8mm.

At the core of the EasyPointTM joystick module is austriamicrosystems' AS5011, a magnetic encoder IC that monitors knob displacement relative to its center position and provides position information via I2C outputs. The AS5011 offers user-selectable power-saving modes and is available in an ultra-thin QFN package (5x5mm, 0.55mm high).

"With EasyPointTM joystick module technology, we are providing a highly reliable module for use in a variety of portable communication devices. Besides its high reliability, our solution also offers a high degree of usability. The user can move a cursor at any angle, change the speed at which the cursor moves, or select items and drag them across the screen", says Matjaz Novak, Director of Marketing Industry & Medical at austriamicrosystems.

EasyPointTM joystick module demonstration units and the AS5011 IC are available for sampling. Today, the modules come in two mechanical versions, either as a complete module with integrated AS5011 IC, or as a mechanical module only. The sizes range from 12.5mm x 12.6mm to 18.6mm x 22.6mm and support 1mm and 2mm knob displacement, respectively.

Learn more about the simple use of EasyPointTM in our demonstation video on our website. For more information on product features, or to order the EasyPointTM joystick module and AS5011 samples please go to austriamicrosystems' website at www.austriamicrosystems.com/MagneticEncoder/AS5011.

The AS5011 is priced at $2.62 each in 1,000-unit quantities.

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs, combining more than 27 years of analog design capabilities and system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities. austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating worldwide with more than 1,000 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces and mobile infotainment in its markets Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive, complemented by its Full Service Foundry activities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS). For more information, please visit www.austriamicrosystems.com

For further information
Technical Contact
austriamicrosystems AG
Matjaz Novak
Director of Marketing Industry & Medical
Tel: +43 (0) 3136 500 5741
Fax: +43 (0) 3136 500 5420
matjaz.novak@austriamicrosystems.com
www.austriamicrosystems.com

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