Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of capacitive pointing sticks?
What are the advantages of resistive pointing sticks?
How does capacitive technology compare to resistive?
How does the TouchStyk simplify integration?
What are the advantages of Synaptics driver that comes with TouchStyk?
How can I purchase a Synaptics TouchStyk or a resistive pointing stick for my device?

Q.

What are the advantages of capacitive pointing sticks?

Synaptics' capacitive pointing stick solutions require a fewer number of components compared to resistive strain gauge technology. In addition, the capacitive solution combines all the necessary sensing components into a single, self-contained module. The result is a complete and integrated solution that provides the modularity and design flexibility. The modular design also reduces susceptibility to electron magnetic interference (EMI). The capacitive sensing technology also offers three-dimensional sensing for features such as such as press-to-select.

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Q.

What are the advantages of resistive pointing sticks?

Resistive pointing sticks are ideal for devices with space restraints. With resistive solutions the pointing stick itself is integrated in the keyboard, with the control electronics remotely located, freeing up critical space beneath the keyboard.

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Q.

How does capacitive technology compare to resistive?

Resistive strain gauge technology measures the change in resistance caused by the flexing of specific resistive component. These measurements are transmitted as analog data packets to the controller ASIC, which is then converted to a digital signal resulting in cursor motion on the screen.

In most resistive strain gauge solutions found today, the controller ASIC is mounted on the motherboard of the notebook computer, requiring an analog signal to travel much further than in Synaptics' modular solution. Because the Synaptics TouchStyk requires fewer components, the controller ASIC is mounted directly on the pointing stick, converting the analog signal to a digital signal before it has to travel to the motherboard, making the Synaptics TouchStyk less susceptible to EMI.

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Q.

How does the TouchStyk simplify integration?

The modular design of the capacitive TouchStyk solution contains all needed components on the PCB of the TouchStyk itself, thus eliminating many components from the motherboard. In addition, by providing the hardware, software, algorithms and controller, Synaptics eliminates the need for multiple vendors and becomes a one-stop supplier for pointing stick or dual pointing solutions.

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Q.

What are the advantages of Synaptics driver that comes with TouchStyk?

Users can take advantage of the advanced features of the Synaptics TouchStyk such as tap-to-select and double tap for enhanced functionality.

With dual pointing solutions, the enhanced features of both the Synaptics TouchStyk and TouchPad can be very beneficial to the advanced user. For example, users are able to press to select using the TouchStyk and scroll on the TouchPad without having to turn one device off.

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Q.

How can I purchase a Synaptics TouchStyk or a resistive pointing stick for my device?

If you are interested in integrating a Synaptics pointing stick solution into your device, contact sales@synaptics.com

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