Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Synaptics TouchPad?
What are the technical details of a Synaptics TouchPad?
What are the advanced driver features in a Synaptics TouchPad?
Why should an OEM use Synaptics' solution over another?
Does Synaptics offer different types of TouchPad solutions?
Where can we purchase a Synaptics TouchPad?
What is the cost and delivery time for a TouchPad device?

Q.

What is Synaptics TouchPad?

Synaptics TouchPad™ is a touch-sensitive input and navigation device that senses the position of a person's finger on its surface to provide screen navigation, cursor movement and a platform for interactive input. The Synaptics TouchPad can be used in a wide variety of applications that require a thin, robust, accurate, and easy to use input and navigation device.

Synaptics TouchPad devices are found in most touch pad-enabled notebooks today, as well as desktop keyboards, remote controls, and other peripherals. Synaptics TouchPad devices are available in a variety of sizes, thickness, colors, and electrical interfaces; and we have customizable driver to ensure the solution meets the needs for your specific application.

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Q.

What are the technical details of a Synaptics TouchPad?

Synaptics TouchPad sensors work by using an electrical phenomenon called capacitance. Whenever two electrically conductive objects come near each other without actually touching, their electric fields interact to form a capacitance. The surface of a TouchPad is a grid of conductive metal wires covered by a plastic insulator, usually a facesheet made of Mylar®. The human finger is also a good electrical conductor. When you place your finger on a TouchPad, a capacitance forms between your finger and the metal wires in the TouchPad. In Synaptics TouchPad, the "wires" are actually shaped as diamond chains to maximize capacitive contact with your finger. The Mylar® insulator keeps your finger from actually touching the wires and is also textured to help your finger move smoothly across the surface.

By measuring the change in capacitance, the application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) can tell when your finger is touching, to an accuracy of more than 1/1000th of an inch. The sensing electronics are inside Synaptics' proprietary ASIC, which includes a microprocessor that computes the finger's position and speed and reports them to the main computer in the form of cursor motion.

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Q.

What are the advanced driver features in a Synaptics TouchPad?

Synaptics TouchPad drivers enable functionality such as tap to select, double tap, right click, virtual scrolling, EdgeMotion™ and PalmCheck™. These features are designed to increase the productivity of the user. For detailed information on driver features, please review the Synaptics Driver Product Brief document.

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Q.

Why should an OEM use Synaptics' solution over another?

Synaptics' capacitive technology is an extremely reliable and proven touch-sensing technology with millions of TouchPad devices shipped since 1995 to major notebook manufacturers and other electronic device manufacturers.

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Q.

Does Synaptics offer different types of TouchPad solutions?

We understand that OEMs have different needs, and we customize every TouchPad solution to meet the specific requirements of each OEM. This customization includes shape, size, number of buttons supported, thickness, color and texture of facesheet, etc.

Additionally, Synaptics offers a diverse TouchPad product line. Some prominent TouchPad products include: LuxPad (it literally glows), SpeakerPad (all audio components, including speakers are built in the TouchPad itself) and FingerPrint TouchPad (with a built-in fingerprint sensor for security and convenience), and TouchPad Under Plastic. For further details, please refer to Synaptics TouchPad Product Profile document.

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Q.

Where can we purchase a Synaptics TouchPad?

For device integrators and designers: For more information, or to incorporate a TouchPad in your device, please contact your local Synaptics representative or email sales@synaptics.com

For end users: Synaptics TouchPad devices can be found in numerous notebook computers, including: Acer, Apple, Compaq, Dell, eMachines, Fujitsu, Gateway, Hewlett Packard, Hitachi, IBM, NEC, Panasonic, Samsung, Siemens, Sony, and Toshiba.

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Q.

What is the cost and delivery time for a TouchPad device?

Most Synaptics TouchPad devices are custom made to fit the requirements of your device. For further information on delivery times and pricing on a TouchPad that meets your individual needs, contact your local Synaptics representative or email sales@synaptics.com.

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