Taptic Engine
Taptic Engine is a linear actuator developed by Apple . The name "Taptic" is a combination of words from "tactile" and "haptic" and describes the purpose of the device. It is used to generate mechanical feedback for manual entries on electronic devices. In some Apple products, the Taptic Engine replaces the function of the previously common vibration motor, but is also used in products in which mechanical functions were previously replaced by purely electronic functions.
history
The Taptic Engine was shown for the first time as part of the release of the Apple Watch and the 12 ″ MacBook on September 19, 2014. The 12 ″ MacBook and the 13 ″ MacBook Pro were then also the first two devices to use the Taptic Engine (as a mechanical Part of the "Force Touch Trackpad") came onto the market. The Apple Watch followed in May 2015 and the iPhone 6s in autumn 2015 . The separately available Magic Trackpad 2 has also been equipped with the Taptic Engine since 2015 in order to simulate the striking pressure on the trackpad. In the iPhone 7 , Apple is using the Taptic Engine for the first time in an iPhone, not only as a vibration motor replacement, but also to simulate pressing a button on the home button, which is no longer mechanical.
functionality
The Taptic Engine is an electromagnetic linear actuator . A resiliently mounted, relatively heavy metal pin is attracted by one or more electromagnets . Depending on the strength and frequency of the magnetic force, simple vibrations, but also precise shocks can be generated.
Advantages and disadvantages
The greatest advantage of the Taptic Engine over a classic vibration motor lies in the precision and possible variety of mechanical feedback. Vibrations of different strength and frequency can be generated, but also pointed, singular feedback such as a simple shock. In this way, for example, a mechanical key press can be simulated almost lifelike without having to use mechanical switches. Apple uses this type of feedback, among other things in its technology called Force Touch , to provide different pressure levels on a display with different haptic feedback. Via a corresponding programming interface , Apple offers developers an extensive collection of ready-made feedback for use in their own apps .
Vibration motors, on the other hand, can only vibrate due to the way they work. In addition, a vibration motor needs a few revolutions before the flywheel produces sufficient feedback. This results in a noticeable delay in the feedback. Due to these starting and stopping times of the motor, no singular feedback such as impact or shock is possible and the vibration frequency can only be controlled to a limited extent.
Disadvantages are the sometimes considerably larger space requirements and the higher weight of the Taptic Engine, especially in the area of mobile devices. Furthermore, unlike vibration motors, the Taptic Engine is more prone to damage. The fine mechanics of the Taptic Engine not only have a higher number of moving parts, but can also be damaged by the energy that is generated when a device falls.