New Digitizers Abound

Kurta Intros ASIC Pen/Digitizer Controller

In a move that will ultimately pave the way for smaller, more efficient, more highly-integrated, and more affordable pen-based computers, Kurta Corp. has managed to squeeze controller functions for pen-based digitizers into an ASIC (“application specific integrated circuit”) silicon chip.

The Kurta KPSR4 ASIC, which is smaller than the size of a dime, replaces the printed-circuit board of previous generation digitizers. In conjunction with the slightly larger National Semiconductor HPC43004VJEW microcontroller, the 3-volt KPSR4 determines pen location and pen-switch status. The KPSR4 has built-in power management and performs analog signal processing functions such as pen-signal amplification, filtering, and detection. It also provides analog-to-digital conversion. The KPSR4 ASIC is available in a 44-pin, 0.5×0.5-inch machine-placeable metric quad flat package (MQFP).

The OEM-targeted ASIC chip is part of the Kurta Pen System Controller (PSC) package which includes: the Pen Signal Receiver (PSR) and Pen System Controller Processor; cordless pen; and digitizing grid. The PSC is the receiving, processing, and control element of a pen system, providing the interface between the Kurta-provided components and the pen-based computer itself. The PSR receives analog signals from the pen via the digitizer grid, converts them to digital data required by the processor which uses the data to determine pen location and switch status. The PSR also performs analog processing functions such as noise filtering, pen-signal amplification and detection, and pen-signal measurement.

Kurta Intros New Video Tablet

In a related announcement, Kurta introduced its new VTS-5 Video Tablet System. The VTS-5 tablet is about the size of a 3-ring binder and slightly more than a half inch in thickness. The pen input system — which includes a cordless pen, LCD, textured-glass writing surface, and VGA controller card — attaches to existing desktop ISA or EISA PCs.

Targeted for programmers developing pen-based applications, the VTS-5 includes a suite of programs for implementing the system in CIC’s PenDOS, GO’s PenPoint, and Microsoft Windows for Pen.

For more information, contact:

Kurta Corp
3007 East Chambers St
Phoenix, AZ 85040
602-276-5533

Wacom Releases “Multi-device” Digitizer

Wacom Technology, manufacturer of pressure-sensitive digitizers, has introduced the UD-1212, a 12×12-inch (active area) digitizer for the Macintosh that the company refers to as a “multi-device” tablet. The multi-device term relates to the tablet’s simultaneous support for a tracking stylus and a four-button cursor. The company believes the new digitizer will have particular applicability for manipulating graphic objects.

The new tablet also provides a customizable menu strip with two pressure buttons and 12 configurable function/macro buttons. The 1.3-inch thick electromagnetic resonance tablet weighs slightly less than 5 pounds and comes with a 1/3-ounce pressure-sensitive, cordless pen (which supports 120 pressure levels and provides a configurable side-switch).

The tablet retails for $695.00. A PC version is due out within the next few months. For more information, contact:

Wacom Technology
501 S.E. Columbia Shores Blvd., #300
Vancouver, WA 98661
800-922-6613

Acecad Offers New Digitizers

Acecad has also announced a series of new digitizers for Macintosh and Intel-based machines running PenPoint, PenDOS, or Windows for Pens. The new digitizers are available in 5 by 5 inch, 12 by 12 inch, and 18 by 12 inch configurations and are optimized for CAD and graphics applications. The 5 by 5 Acecat II starts at $179 while the A-Series 1212 and 1812 start at $249. All models include a 2-button programmable stylus and an optional 4-button programmable puck.

For more information, contact:

Acecad
P.O. Box 431
Monterey, CA 93942-0431
408-655-1900
Fax: 408-655-1919