Abstract: Aspects of a current controlled motor amplifier system are provided. These aspects include a current source motor amplifier comprising current source means on each leg of a top half of the H bridge configuration and switching means on each leg of a bottom half of the H bridge configuration. A motor is coupled to the current source motor amplifier at a center portion of the H bridge configuration. Control circuitry is coupled to the current source motor amplifier for controlling the switching on of the current source motor amplifier for a predetermined time to operate the top half of the H bridge configuration essentially as a linear constant current source and the bottom half of the H bridge configuration in switching mode. The aspects also allow for simplified circuitry to protect against overvoltage conditions and eliminate electrical damping in applications with higher rotational velocities associated with induced back EMF.

Abstract: A haptic device comprises an actuator and a mass. The actuator has a shaft. The actuator is elastically coupled to the mass and/or a base.

Abstract: Products and processes for providing tactile sensations to input devices or electronic devices are provided. Input devices include mechanical input devices (such as, for example, mechanical switches) and non-mechanical input devices (such as, for example, touchpads). Tactile feedback is provided by using an actuator or other means in communication with the input device or electronic device. A controller may be employed to receive signals from the input devices and control the actuator. Tactile feedback to an input device or electronic device may be provided in response to one or more events or situations. Such an event or situation may be any one designated. Examples of such events and situations include the level of pressure placed on an input device; the availability or lack of availability of a function associated with an input device; and the function, menu, or mode of operation associated with an input device"s activation. A variety of feedback types and combinations may be selected.

Abstract: Aspects of a current controlled motor amplifier system are provided. These aspects include a current source motor amplifier comprising current source means on each leg of a top half of the H bridge configuration and switching means on each leg of a bottom half of the H bridge configuration. A motor is coupled to the current source motor amplifier at a center portion of the H bridge configuration. Control circuitry is coupled to the current source motor amplifier for controlling the switching on of the current source motor amplifier for a predetermined time to operate the top half of the H bridge configuration essentially as a linear constant current source and the bottom half of the H bridge configuration in switching mode. The aspects also allow for simplified circuitry to protect against overvoltage conditions and eliminate electrical damping in applications with higher rotational velocities associated with induced back EMF.

Abstract: Aspects of a switch matrix circuit are provided. In accordance with a circuit aspect, a plurality of switches are organized in a row and column configuration. Coupled to the plurality of switches is a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit includes a transistor and at least one resistor per column of the plurality of switches. Current amplified by the transistor and converted by the at least one resistor in a column is sensed as a logic level indicative of a switch status within the column for a selected row. The current sensing arrangement may also be used in an embodiment utilizing bi-directional signal control to minimize the number of I/O lines required to scan the switch matrix. The bi-directional signal scanning may also be implemented in another embodiment that senses voltage levels to determine switch closures.