July 9, 2009 - austriamicrosystems unveiled EasyPoint, a joystick module aimed at portable communication devices. EasyPoint 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 EasyPoint 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 EasyPoint 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). EasyPoint 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.
