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Interface solutions specialist Synaptics unveiled its ClearPad 3400 high-performance capacitive touchscreen solution for premium smartphones with displays of up to six inches, as well as the company’s Single Layer On-Cell (SLOC) capacitive touch solution.
Building on the technology of the ClearPad 3200, the 3400 features a redesigned Analog Front End (AFE), an integrated charge pump, and advanced filtering algorithms for improved Signal-to-Noise (SNR) and Signal-to-Interference performance. The company has worked to reduce the presence of noise interference, which can be exacerbated by a range of factors including the use of noisy handset power supplies.
The technology also allows touchscreens to work in a wide range of scenarios, such as in the presence of moisture or with gloved fingers. The 3400 also supports a range of sensor stackups, enabling thinner designs and increased original equipment manufacturer (OEM) flexibility.
“The first point of interaction consumers have with their smartphones is typically with the touchscreen, and as device sophistication continues to accelerate, the overall touchscreen experience is becoming even more critical,” Synaptics’ senior vice president and general manager of the smart display division Kevin Barber said in a statement. “Synaptics built the ClearPad 3400 with this in mind. With the ClearPad 3400, OEMs can be confident they’re providing end users with the smoothest, most accurate touch experience available today.”
The SLOC solution, now sampling with Liquid Crystal Manufacturers (LCMs), eliminates the discrete sensor, has no need for side borders, and delivers five finger support for feature-rich, entry-level smartphones. With its simplified manufacturing process, SLOC is designed to allow OEMs to enter mass production in expanding entry-level smartphone markets such as China and Brazil. The platform can also work with any LCD type or resolution.
“With the China smartphone market poised to grow exponentially in the coming quarters, it is crucial for technology leaders to drive the adoption of touch solutions in entry-level smartphones,” Tim Bajarin, president of market intelligence specialist Creative Strategies said in a statement. “Synaptics is the preeminent human interface solution provider and has taken the lead in delivering the high-performance, high-value solutions that the market demands.”
The ClearPad family supports touchscreen solutions for devices ranging from entry-level mobile phones to flagship premium smartphones, tablets and notebook PCs. The TouchPad family, including ClickPad and ForcePad, is integrated into a wide selection of notebook PCs. The company’s portfolio also includes ThinTouch, supporting thin and light keyboard solutions, as well as technologies for next generation touch-enabled video and display applications.