MicroModule USB
Integration Guide
Interlink Electronics
®
®
FSR Force Sensing Resistors
USB MicroModule
Integration Guide
Document P/N: 94-00025 Rev. B
Interlink Electronics and the six dot logo are registered trademarks of Interlink Electronics, Inc.
www.interlinkelectronics.com
MicroModule USB
Integration Guide
Table of Contents
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
Introduction....................................................................................................................
1
Scope................................................................................................................................
1
Theory of Operation
.................................................................................................... 2
Features and Operation
............................................................................................. 4
4.1
4.2
5.0
Using the Pressure-Sensing Actuator ................................................................... 4
Clicking and Dragging ........................................................................................... 4
Mounting..........................................................................................................................
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
Suggested Panel Cut-out ...................................................................................... 5
Mounting MicroModule .......................................................................................... 6
Supporting MicroModule’s PCB ............................................................................ 7
Sealing MicroModule with Silicone Sealant........................................................... 7
6.0
Connection
..................................................................................................................... 8
6.1
6.2
6.3
Molex Header/Mating Connector Specifications ................................................... 8
USB Interface Connections ................................................................................... 9
Cable Options...................................................................................................... 10
7.0
USB Information
......................................................................................................... 11
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
Device PID and VID............................................................................................. 11
Data Packet ......................................................................................................... 11
USB Suspend Mode ............................................................................................ 11
Operating Voltage and Current ........................................................................... 11
8.0
9.0
10.0
11.0
Drawings and Dimensions.......................................................................................
12
Orderable Part Numbers
.......................................................................................... 14
Intellectual Property & Other Legal Matters....................................................
14
Contact Interlink Electronics
................................................................................ 15
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MicroModule USB
Integration Guide
1.0 Introduction
Designed for OEM integration, MicroModule pointing solutions are ideal for computer cursor
control in rugged mobile computers, hardened keyboards, navigation systems, machine control
panels, and many other computer pointing applications. MicroModule, with its USB interface,
can also be easily interfaced to other control applications such as pan and tilt controllers,
motion controllers, CNC controllers and medical control equipment.
MicroModule incorporates Interlink Electronics’ VersaPoint
®
Pressure-Pointing technology.
Directional control is achieved by applying pressure in the direction of desired movement.
Speed is controlled by altering the amount of applied pressure. The result is smooth cursor
movement in any direction, from a precise crawl to a screen-crossing zip. VersaPoint
technology has no moving parts to break or wear out, thus delivering reliable, trouble-free
cursor control.
The purpose of this document is to guide users through the successful integration of the
Interlink Electronics USB MicroModule.
2.0 Scope
This Integration Guide provides the OEM integrator with all of the necessary technical
information to successfully integrate the Interlink Electronics USB MicroModule into products
such as:
NEMA-rated industrial pointing devices
Industrial keyboards
Military computers
Motion control applications
Part numbers are detailed in section 9.
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1
MicroModule USB
Integration Guide
3.0 Theory of Operation
The most basic FSR consists of two membranes separated by a thin air gap. The air gap is
maintained by a spacer around the edges and by the rigidity of the two membranes. One of the
membranes has two sets of fingers which are interdigitated and electrically distinct; each set
connects to one trace on the tail. The other membrane is coated with FSR ink. When the two
layers are pressed together, the FSR ink shorts the two traces together with a resistance that
depends on applied force.
Figure 1: Exploded view of a standard single-zone FSR
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MicroModule USB
Integration Guide
The 4-zone FSR used in MicroModule is simply a combination of four basic FSRs arranged in a
North, South, East, West pattern. Each zone interpenetrates into the two zones on either side
of it. This overlapping of the zones allows us to determine how much force is in each zone
relative to the others. Once the relative force in each zone is known, the direction and speed of
the mouse pointer can be determined.
Figure 2: Exploded view of 4-zone FSR
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