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AMI Announces Haptics Controller

February 4, 2010

The high-technology company is making available units for Reflex actuators, which will enable a variety of haptic-feedback effects for touch-interface devices, such as smartphones, GPS units, portable media players, and computers.


SUNNYVALE, CA /BUSINESS WIRE/ -- Artificial Muscle Inc. (AMI), the manufacturer of high-performance actuator components, based on its patented electroactive polymer artificial muscle (EPAM) technology, is pleased to announce the availability of a complete haptics controller for Reflex brand actuators, based on the newly released Maxim MAX11835. The controller designs deliver the full potential of Reflex actuators and enrich the user experience with the sense of touch. The combination of Reflex high-fidelity actuators, a control circuit leveraging the 8-bit resolution of MAX11835, and the freedom of customer programmable waveforms makes possible a virtually limitless array of haptics effects for touch-interface devices. The AMI haptic driver solution is ideally suited for integration in smartphones, gaming controllers, GPS, portable media players, and computers.

"This reference design is a major step forward that enables Reflex actuators to be driven by a compact, highly efficient, and cost effective controller solution. Our customers can now create next-generation consumer electronics products with compelling haptic feedback performance," said Marcus Rosenthal, Director of Strategic Alliances at Artificial Muscle, Inc.

AMI offers the circuit reference design to qualified customers. Evaluation kits with the controller circuit and Reflex actuator modules will be available in late-February. For more information please visit the company's Web site or email info2010@artificialmuscle.com.

About AMI
Artificial Muscle Inc. (AMI) is a high-technology company that designs and manufactures actuator and sensing components based on its technology platform called electroactive polymer artificial muscle (EPAM). EPAM technology offers significant advantages over typical electromagnetic-based technologies because it is much lighter, smaller, quieter, and cheaper and offers more controllable and flexible configurations. EPAM devices serve as lightweight, highly efficient alternatives to actuators, small motors, generators, sensors, and speakers used in products ranging from smartphones to automobiles.

AMI was founded by SRI International and became an independent company in early 2004, with investment from Alliance Bernstein L.P., ARCH Venture Partners, Chevron Technology Ventures, NGEN Partners, Parker Hannifin Corporation, and Vanguard Ventures.

Artificial Muscle, EPAM, and Reflex are trademarks owned by Artificial Muscle Inc.

About Maxim
Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance semiconductor products. The company was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To date, it has developed over 6,200 products serving the industrial, communications, consumer, and computing markets. Maxim reported revenue in excess of $1.6 billion for fiscal 2009.






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