Mouser Electronics White Paper
Where ERM devices can merely convey an on/off sensation of touch
and LRAs provide only a limited tactile experience, piezoelectric
devices can convey the full range of a touch sensation. Moreover,
piezo actuators with this capability can be made smaller, thinner, and
lighter than ERM and LRA devices (Table 4). Piezo actuators are ideal
for future devices that require more complex, smaller, and lighter
haptic components that provide a seamless AR/VR experience.
Conclusion
The future of AR/VR, wearables, and portable electronic devices
lies in piezoelectric actuators and sensors. The latest piezoelectric
devices provide advanced vibrotactile and force feedback capabilities
to accurately emulate the sensations of touch and feel necessary to
provide a desirable user experience. Legacy vibrotactile and force
feedback devices are comparatively bulky, have slow response
times, and provide only a limited range of possible sensations.
As such, many engineers and product designers need to become
familiar with piezoelectric actuators and sensors to bring the next
generation of haptic feedback systems to life for the increasingly
demanding and competitive landscape of modern electronic systems.
