Solutions

There are three main considerations when designing-in a ClickPad.

• Module Options:
  • System Module (Preferred)
  • Design-It-Yourself Module (TouchPad with SGS Driver for ClickPad application, no mechanicals)
• ClickPad Solutions:
  • ClickPad Series 3: Premier “IS” option (Preferred)
  • ClickPad Series 2: Basic “PS” option
  • ClickPad Series 1: Design-It-Yourself option
• Mechanical Design Styles:
  • Uniform ClickEQ™ (Preferred)
  • Hinge

ClickPad Module Options: “Design-It-Yourself Module” or “System Module”

Synaptics offers two different types of mechanical design development options for ClickPad modules.

• ClickPad “Design-It-Yourself” module is a kit-based design approach for the ClickPad Series 1 option. This option enables the OEM/ODM to implement their own mechanical design—while enabling them to leverage Synaptics’ proven capacitive touch sensing technology. The Synaptics Gesture Suite™ software driver can be used to deliver advanced functionality and button emulation features for Design-It-Yourself ClickPad modules. Synaptics provides a series of resources from design guidelines to field application engineering support for all TouchPad and ClickPad products.
• ClickPad complete “System Module” includes the mechanical assembly in a single, tested-and-proven design. This “drop-in” module provides a variety of manufacturing options that simplify mounting and provide superior spill mitigation. The Series 2 and Series 3 ClickPads are complete system modules that include the Synaptics Gesture Suite software driver. Advanced Multi-Touch functionality and button emulation features are available for ClickPad Series 2 and 3 designs.

ClickPad “Series” Options

OEMs can choose the ClickPad series that best meets their design needs.

• ClickPad Series 3 is the premier Multi-Touch “Complete System” module option for OEMs that want to deliver the ultimate expression of luxury, style, and individuality. The ClickPad Series 3 is a complete mechanical module that seamlessly integrates the ClickPad into a design. Series 3 is ideal for OEMs that have exacting specifications to meet the needs of the most demanding customers. Series 3 reflects the most recent, innovative imaging sensing (IS) technology. With Series 3 image sensing technology, ClickPads support a wide range of Multi-Touch gestures—an image sensor can track and report all ten fingers. The Series 3 ClickPad delivers the ultimate user experience.
• ClickPad Series 2 is the basic “Complete System” module option for OEMs that want to optimize cost and still deliver a rich gesture support. The ClickPad Series 2 is a complete mechanical module that seamlessly integrates the ClickPad into a design. Series 2 ClickPads leverage Synaptics’ profile sensing (PS) technology. Profile sensing technology measures capacitance in two phases by scanning the Y and X rows of the sensor, unlike IS technology which identifies multiple “peaks” of capacitance simultaneously. Series 2 ClickPads support a variety of gestures that are performed by one or two fingers.
• ClickPad Series 1 is the cost-optimized value “Design-It-Yourself” (DIY) module option is a fully customizable solution for OEMs that prefer to leverage the Synaptics capacitive touch sensing technology, but wish to develop their own mechanical design. This DIY option is fully customizable. It includes the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) sensor module with ASIC processor, integrated with a mechanical tact switch. It also includes the Synaptics Gesture Suite software driver with button emulation support. PCBA designs can be built into OEM-designed mechanicals for either a hinge or a uniform mechanical design.

Mechanical Design Options: Uniform-Style (ClickEQ™) or Hinge-Style

The design of the mechanical assembly is critical to a successful ClickPad design. ClickPads can incorporate a variety to mechanical styles, but typically they are either a uniform-style or a hinge-style design.

• The hinge-style option delivers the thinnest possible mechanical design. Good hinge design is critical to the success of the user experience. The primary concern with a hinge-style design is to minimize the amount of un-pressable area near the hinge (the “dead” zone). For ultra-thin netbook and notebook designs, the hinge-style ClickPad options are ideal because the hinge minimizes the z-height concerns for space-constrained designs. Carefully following the Synaptics-approved design guidelines is required to ensure an excellent user experience and manufacturability.
• The Uniform-style ClickEQ™ option provides the best pointing and clicking experience. It delivers consistent, uniform activation pressure and click depth—there are no dead zones—resulting in superior usability and unparalleled ClickPad performance. ClickEQ designs deliver a superb user experience, simplify mounting, and provide excellent spill mitigation.

The Synaptics ClickPad is ideal for a wide variety of applications, including notebook and netbook computers requiring a robust, accurate, and easy-to-use navigation device. All top-tier notebook OEMs trust Synaptics technology and make TouchPad a critical part of their hardware.

• Easy to Use
  A ClickPad has a similar “feel” to pressing a physical button, making it an excellent alternative to a convention input and navigation devices such as a computer mouse or a TouchPad. Combined with the Synaptics Gesture Suite, the ClickPad is a powerful tool for computing.
• Superb Design
  The ClickPad’s button-less design is sleek and intuitive. A wide range of attractive material finishes are available delivering an excellent opportunity for brand-enhancement and product-differentiation.
• Advanced Features
  ClickPads support a wide variety of gestures and new usage models proven to enhance usability and productivity at work and play. The ClickPad is an excellent, ergonomic solution because using gestures helps to reduce the likelihood of repetitive strain injuries.
• Configurable
  A wide variety of sizes, module styles, and features are available. All Synaptics TouchPad and ClickPad solutions are customizable and deliver the ultimate in design flexibility. ClickPads can even be used in dual-pointing solutions that include TouchStyk™ and other Stick pass-through features.
• Durable
  ClickPad solutions are virtually immune to moisture, dirt, and surface scratches. The “uniform” style system module delivers superior food and spill mitigation. Based on decades of experience, Synaptics touch technology has been proven in products used worldwide and in the broadest range of applications in a variety of environments.
• Value Optimized Options
  A variety of sensor types, mechanical design choices, and driver features enable OEMs/ODMs to deliver tried-and-true designs providing expedited development cycles, shortened lead-times, and optimized the total solution cost advantages.
• RoHS & HF Compliant
  Synaptics’ products are manufactured in compliance with the RoHS and Halogen Free directives.
• Proven Technology
  Synaptics ClickPads build on Synaptics’ proven capacitive touch sensing technology used in over 500 million unique devices. Synaptics touch products are used around the world in a wide range of harsh environments. With more than a decade of experience in capacitive touch sensing, Synaptics is the leader in human interaction solutions and is the preferred brand for leading OEMs worldwide.