OLED Keyboard Powered By USB Connection

Advanced Power Components (APC) has announced that the United Keys organic LED (OLED) keyboard is now available through its APC Contech unit following a UK distribution agreement. The OLED keyboard is said to enable users to experience the interactivity of touch-screen devices while retaining the tactile feedback of pressing a button.

OLED technology means that users can create their own shortcuts to load websites, calculate formulae, launch applications, insert a snippet of test or code, or call up a command - all at the touch of a button. By using the keyboard, gamers, programmers, creative media, and lifestyle application users can save dozens of mouse clicks, increasing their productivity and creativity. Layered menus mean that hundreds of commands can be stored, with users jumping from one 'layer' to another, using nine keys at a time. Users can attach whatever image or icon they wish to make commands easy to identify.

Research has shown tactile feedback improves performance and satisfaction. An advantage of OLED technology is said to be reduced power consumption. United Keys products are powered by a USB connection and do not require an auxiliary power supply. The solution is user-configurable out of the box; however, APC-Contech will be offering a user app download service for the major PC-based professional applications.

Power Switches Are Optimised For USB Protection

Diodes Incorporated has introduced 0.5A single-channel power switches optimised for USB-port protection and other 3-5V hot-swap interconnects. The AP2145 (active low enable) and AP2155 (active high enable) provide complete protection solutions for consumer, computing and communication applications subject to the possibility of heavy capacitive loads and short circuits. The power switches are fully compliant with USB standards and are available in industry-standard SOP-8L and exposed-pad MSOP-8L-EP packages.

Their 10us transient response time prevents unnecessary system shutdown or restart, while their accurate 1A current limiting capability helps reduce system rail current requirements and related component costs. Offering reverse current blocking, over-current, over-temperature and short-circuit protection, as well as controlled rise time and under-voltage lockout, the AP21X5 parts are said to significantly improve the robustness of USB ports.

In addition, an inbuilt 7ms deglitch period on the flag output will prevent erroneous over-current reporting, without the need for any external components. UL and IEC60950-1CB scheme certified, the power switches are said to meet industry's most rigorous safety standards. Operating temperature rating is -40 to 85C and current consumption in shutdown mode is a maximum of 1uA.

Adept Adds Expansion Module To USB DAQ Range

Adept Scientific has added the AI-Exp32 to the USB-2416XX family of USB-based data acquisition devices from Measurement Computing. The AI-Exp32 is an expansion module that will double the analogue input channels to 16 differential or 32 single-ended inputs when connected to the USB-2416XX.

As such, the AI-Exp32 is the low-cost option to extending data acquisition capabilities as the requirement grows, by simply plugging it into an existing USB-2416XX module. With CJC and open TC detection in the thermocouple mode included, and an additional 16 digital I/O lines provided for a combined total of 24, the AI-Exp32 is ideal for lightweight, compact USB data acquisition.