Dialog Semi partners with Alps Alpine for automotive haptic applications

The DA7280’s automotive qualification and new implementation with the Alps Alpine Heavy LRA will together bring more innovative haptic experiences to automotive applications, delivering where other competitive solutions have fallen short.

The DA7280 provides the lowest idle power consumption while fueling the most robust LRAs on the market, balancing stability with immersive, high definition haptic user experiences. In fact, the combination with the Alps Alpine Heavy generates up to 15Gs of vibrational force into a 100g mass, about ten times what most smartphones generate.

The implementation of the Dialog technology along with Alps Alpine’s line of LRAs meets the needs of an accelerating trend in the automotive industry: dynamic display control panels in the cabin (built as multiple flat screens or a single giant flat screen) that utilise haptics to provide immediate feedback to the driver. This doubles as both a user-friendly aesthetic choice and more importantly a safety precaution.

It is estimated that over 1.3 million people globally are killed in road accidents every year, separate studies cite driver behavior and distracted driving as major contributors to this phenomenon. Dialog haptic devices, used in conjunction with the Alps Alpine Heavy LRAs, help reduce risks for drivers by providing an array of high definition haptics that make it easier and more intuitive to navigate a vehicle’s user interface without having to shift attention away from driving.

“Our partnership with Alps Alpine is creating a more robust haptic experience for drivers and making driving safer,” said Sean McGrath, Senior VP and General Manager, Connectivity and Audio Business Group at Dialog. “This haptic solution demonstrates our joint commitment to continuous innovation, setting a new standard for the automotive industry.”

The Dialog haptic driver offers a simple-to-use solution for engineers to create sharper haptic experiences for drivers and passengers. Its OTP capability also provides engineers with the option to use the driver in hardware-triggered mode, with no software required. Additionally, the smaller size and lower bill of materials help ensure that OEM and Tier 1 Automotive suppliers can maximize the value of their systems.

Engineers can leverage a standard circuit using the DA7280 and Alps Alpine Heavy LRA to nimbly customise haptic experiences for OEM automotive customers. For example, enabling non-engineering UX designers at OEM, ODM and Tier 1 automotive manufacturers to implement brand-specific haptics experiences across their entire fleet.