Haptic Devices Bring Physical Feedback to the Human Interface
There are many technologies but a single purpose; to provide physical feedback to the human-machine interface. Whether vibration, interface movement, or a simulation of mechanical switches, haptic feedback can make the interface to an application more precise, more intuitive, and more accurate for users.
Haptic technology has quietly become one of the most influential elements of modern product design. Whether it’s the tap of a smartwatch, the click of a solid‑state trackpad, or the force feedback of a VR controller, haptics shape how users interact with digital systems.
Haptic components fall into five major categories: Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM) motors, Linear Resonant Actuators (LRAs), piezoelectric actuators, electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators, and force‑feedback motors.
Each category offers a balance of cost, performance, responsiveness, and integration complexity, making them suitable for different classes of devices and user experiences.
ERM motors are the oldest and simplest form of haptic actuator. They generate vibration by spinning an off‑center mass, producing a broad, easily felt buzz. Their simplicity makes them inexpensive and easy to integrate, which is why they remain common in low‑cost applications. Their durability and straightforward drive requirements ensure they remain relevant in cost‑sensitive designs.
LRAs represent the next step up in haptic fidelity. Instead of rotating a mass, LRAs oscillate a weight along a single axis at a resonant frequency, producing a sharp, controlled tactile pulse. This architecture enables much faster rise and fall times than ERMs.
LRAs are ideal for UI interactions, virtual button clicks, and short, expressive effects. LRAs do require dedicated drivers capable of tracking resonance, but the payoff is a crisp, modern haptic experience that feels intentional rather than generic.
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Piezoelectric actuators push haptic performance into an entirely different class. These devices use piezoelectric materials that flex or expand when voltage is applied, for extremely fast response times and a wide bandwidth of tactile effects. Piezoelectric actuators come in two major forms: multilayer stack actuators, such as TDK’s PowerHap series, and thin bending actuators, such as the PiezoHapt family. Piezoelectric haptics excel at producing crisp clicks, textures, and localized feedback zones, and are increasingly used in laptops, automotive consoles, and consumer devices.
EAP actuators represent one of the most intriguing emerging technologies in the haptics landscape. These use thin polymer films that deform when exposed to electric fields, enabling lightweight, flexible, and conformable haptic surfaces. EAPs offer a pathway to haptics that feel organic rather than mechanical. Companies such as Novasentis and SRI International have pioneered early commercial and research‑grade EAP actuators.
At the high end of the spectrum are force‑feedback actuators, typically implemented using precision coreless DC motors from manufacturers such as Maxon and Faulhaber. These motors are used in VR controllers, haptic joysticks, surgical simulators, and robotic instruments. When paired with encoders and gearheads, these form the backbone of immersive haptic systems that require realism and responsiveness beyond what vibration‑based actuators can deliver.
Haptics have evolved from buzzers into sophisticated tools for interaction. Across many categories, they are now essential for product differentiation.
Smooth Motion
The Faulhaber 1524 and 1727 series coreless DC motors are widely used in high‑precision haptic interfaces, particularly where smooth, low‑inertia motion and finely controlled torque output are essential. These motors feature Faulhaber’s signature ironless, skew‑wound rotor, which eliminates cogging and minimizes mechanical ripple. As a result, they deliver exceptionally smooth rotation and highly linear torque response—qualities that are critical for realistic force‑feedback systems.
These motors are commonly found in premium joysticks, VR/AR controllers, medical training simulators, robotic instruments, and compact haptic research platforms.
Because they are available in multiple winding configurations, designers can optimize for torque, speed, or voltage depending on the application.
- Motor type: Coreless brushed DC motor
- Nominal voltage: 6V–12V (varies by model)
- No‑load speed: ~8,000rpm–12,000rpm
- Stall torque: High for size class
- Torque constant: ~6mNm/A–15mNm/A
- Rotor inertia: Extremely low
- Cogging torque: Zero (ironless rotor)
- Diameter: 15mm (1524)/17mm (1727)
- Length: 24mm (1524)/27mm (1727)
- Operating temperature: −20°C to +65°C
- Compatible accessories: Faulhaber gearheads and encoders
Mass-Market Motion
The Jinlong Z30 Series represents one of the most widely used families of ERM vibration motors in mass‑market consumer electronics. These motors are known for their low cost, high availability, and broad range of mechanical formats, making them a staple in mobile devices, handheld terminals, and low‑cost wearables. The Z30 Series uses a rotating eccentric mass to generate vibration, providing strong haptic cues suitable for alerts, alarms, and simple tactile notifications.
The Z30 Series excels in applications where cost, simplicity, and amplitude are the primary requirements. These motors are commonly found in mobile phones, pagers, handheld scanners, and industrial handheld tools where tactile feedback must be noticeable even in noisy environments.
- Motor type: ERM (coin or cylindrical)
- Rated voltage: ~3V
- Operating voltage: ~2V–4V
- Vibration amplitude: ~1.0G–1.8G
- Typical current: ~70mA–100mA
- Start time: ~80ms–150ms
- Stop time: ~60ms–120ms
- Diameter range: ~8mm–12mm
- Thickness range: ~2.5mm–4mm
- Operating temperature: −20°C to +60°C
- Drive method: DC or PWM
- Mounting: Adhesive or solder‑pad coin formats
- Typical lifetime: >100,000 cycles
Precision Feedback
The Jinlong G0832 Series is a popular rectangular LRA actuator family used extensively in smartphones, wearables, and handheld devices that require fast, precise haptic feedback. The G0832 actuators use a spring‑mass system driven by a voice coil, enabling them to deliver sharp, high‑fidelity tactile pulses with significantly faster response times than ERM motors.
The G0832 Series is suitable for UI interactions, gesture feedback, and short, expressive haptic effects. These actuators operate at a fixed resonant frequency, typically around 175Hz–200Hz, and require a dedicated LRA driver capable of generating AC waveforms and tracking resonance.
The G0832 Series is widely used in mid‑range and high‑volume devices where tactile quality matters but cost constraints remain important.
- Actuator type: LRA
- Rated voltage: ~1.8V–2.0V RMS
- Resonant frequency: ~175Hz–200Hz
- Typical acceleration: ~1.5G–2.0G
- Typical current: ~80mA–120mA
- Rise time: ~10ms–20ms
- Fall time: ~20ms–30ms
- Dimensions: ~8mm × 3mm × 2.5mm
- Drive method: Closed‑loop LRA driver
- Operating temperature: −20°C to +70°C
- Mounting: Adhesive or bracket
- Lifetime: >200,000 cycles
High-Fidelity Feedback
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Maxon’s RE‑Series DC motors are widely regarded as a standard for high‑fidelity force‑feedback systems used in VR controllers, haptic joysticks, medical simulators, robotic surgery platforms, and precision training devices. They are built around Maxon’s ironless core rotor, which eliminates cogging torque and produces linear motion.
When paired with high‑resolution encoders and low‑backlash gearheads, these motors can generate finely tuned resistance, textures, impacts, and dynamic force cues. Their responsiveness allows developers to simulate everything from subtle friction to strong impacts.
RE‑Series motors are highly customizable, with numerous winding options, shaft configurations, and compatible gearboxes. This flexibility makes them suitable for both consumer‑grade and industrial‑grade haptic systems.
- Motor type: Coreless brushed DC motor
- Nominal voltage: 6V–24V
- No‑load speed: ~6,000rpm-12,000rpm
- Stall torque: High for size class
- Torque constant: ~10 mNm/A–30mNm/A
- Efficiency: Very high (ironless rotor)
- Rotor inertia: Extremely low
- Cogging torque: Near zero
- Operating temperature: −20°C to +65°C
- Compatible gearheads: Maxon GP/GPX series
- Encoder options: Incremental or absolute
Broad ERM
The Precision Microdrives 310‑101 is one of the most widely adopted cylindrical Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM) vibration motors used in compact consumer devices, wearables, and handheld electronics. As a classic ERM actuator, it generates vibration by spinning an off‑center mass attached to a miniature DC motor shaft. This simple mechanism makes the 310‑101 extremely robust, cost‑effective, and easy to integrate into low‑power embedded systems.
The 310‑101 is commonly used in devices where tactile feedback is needed but ultra‑precise haptics are not required—fitness trackers, handheld scanners, pagers, toys, and simple alerting systems.
The 310‑101 requires no complex driver circuitry. Designers can control intensity through PWM or voltage modulation, and the motor’s durability makes it a dependable choice for high‑volume consumer products.
- Motor type: Cylindrical ERM
- Rated voltage: ~3V
- Operating voltage range: ~2V–4V
- Typical vibration amplitude: ~1.0G–1.5G
- Typical current: ~75mA–90mA
- Start time: ~80ms–120ms
- Stop time: ~50ms–100ms
- Body diameter: ~10mm
- Body length: ~3–4mm
- Operating temperature: −20°C to +60°C
- Drive method: Direct DC or PWM
- Typical lifetime: >100,000 cycles
Thin Haptics
The TDK PiezoHapt Series consists of thin piezoelectric actuators designed for applications requiring fast, subtle, and highly responsive tactile feedback. These actuators are typically used in touch panels, trackpads, mobile devices, and automotive interfaces where space is limited and tactile precision is essential.
Their extremely thin profile—often less than 1mm—makes them ideal for integration beneath glass or plastic surfaces. They also support localized haptics, enabling designers to create multi‑zone feedback on a single surface.
PiezoHapt actuators require high‑voltage drivers but consume very little power due to their capacitive nature. They are widely used in premium laptops, automotive touchscreens, and next‑generation consumer devices where mechanical buttons are being replaced by solid‑state interfaces.
- Actuator type: Piezoelectric bending actuator
- Drive voltage: ~ 60V–120V
- Thickness:
Strong Feedback
The TDK PowerHap Series is a family of piezoelectric haptic actuators designed for applications requiring strong, fast, and highly expressive tactile feedback. These actuators are ideal for automotive HMIs, industrial touch panels, trackpads, medical devices, and premium consumer electronics.
PowerHap actuators are capable of producing forces far greater than typical haptic components—up to several Newtons—while maintaining millisecond‑level response times. Their wide bandwidth allows them to simulate clicks, pulses, textures, and even continuous waveforms. Because they are piezo‑based, they require high‑voltage drivers (often 60V–120V), but their power consumption remains low due to the efficiency of piezoelectric materials.
Automotive center consoles, industrial controls, and ruggedized touch interfaces rely on PowerHap for tactile cues that cut through vibration, noise, and glove use.
- Actuator type: Piezoelectric multilayer
- Drive voltage: ~ 60V–120V
- Peak force: Up to several Newtons
- Response time: 10 million cycles
- Feedback capability: Supports sensing in some configurations
Multi-Direction Haptics
The Vybronics VL91022-160-320H is a unique multi-frequency/multi-directional LRA that maybe driven at either 160Hz or 320Hz or by a complex waveform to provide the user with unique multi-directional haptic feedback experiences. Its unique internal construction allows it produce vibration energy in either the Y (320Hz) or Z (160Hz) plane or in multiple planes when driven with a complex waveform.
The LRA’s relatively simple internal construction offers high reliability and exceptionally long life when compared with brushed ERM motors. Unlike ERM vibration motors, they have no external moving parts, which facilitates mounting and allows for flexibility in packaging for many applications.
LRAs such as the VL91022-160-320H have been used in Nintendo video game controllers and other apps requiring strong/complex haptic feedback. This part is typically connected to a LRA driver IC, which produces the AC drive signal for this device.
- Length: 22.6mm
- Width: 10.0mm
- Height: 9.0mm
- Rated voltage (AC RMS): 1.5V
- Operating voltage (AC): 0.1V-1.65V
- Rated current (max.): 180mA
- Typical current: 155mA
- Rise time (max.): 50ms
- Fall time (max.): 60ms
- Resonant frequency: 160Hz/320Hz
- Vibration force: 3.00Grms
Robust Dial Feedback
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The Xeeltech HAPTICORE Four is a medium-sized dial designed to offer enhanced haptic performance in a compact and efficient form. Engineered to achieve a consistent performance-to-size ratio, HAPTICORE Four provides precise, reliable controls in a variety of demanding applications.
Thanks to the next-gen HAPTICORE technology, the HAPTICORE Four delivers substantial improvements in haptic performance compared to previous generations. With this latest innovation, users will experience stronger and more precise haptic feedback than ever before.
Whether it’s integrating into household appliances for seamless user interaction, enhancing the precision of professional appliances, providing robust control in off-highway vehicles, or optimizing industrial machinery, HAPTICORE Four stands out for versatility and dependability.
- Sensor type: Hall effect sensor
- Sensor resolution: 0.1°
- Sensor placement: Integrated in the shaft
- Electrical interface–connector: FPC 8POS 0.5mm Pitch ZIF
- Electrical interface–sensor: I²C (400kHz)
- Rated insulation voltage–coil: 12V
- Supply voltage–sensor: 3.3V (+2.8V to 3.5V)
- Minimum coil driver supply voltage: 4.25V to drive max. coil current
- Maximum coil supply current: 0.5A
Datasheet URLs:
Faulhaber: https://www.faulhaber.com/en/products/series/1524sr
Jinlong: https://www.made-in-china.com/showroom/hukaite/product-detailTstEihyjApWw/China-Z30c1t8460001.html
Jinlong: https://sw.bonchip.com/product/Jinlong-Machinery-Electronics-Inc/G0832022D.html
Maxon: https://www.maxongroup.com/en-us/drives-and-systems/brushed-dc-motors
Precision Microdrives: https://www.precisionmicrodrives.com/motors/vibration-motors
TDK: https://product.tdk.com/en/products/sw_piezo/haptic/piezohapt/index.html
TDK: https://product.tdk.com/en/products/sw_piezo/haptic/powerhap/index.html
Vybronics: https://www.vybronics.com/linear-lra-vibration-motors/v-l91022-160-320h
Xeeltech: https://shop.xeeltech.com/product/hapticore-four
PUBLISHED IN CIRCUIT CELLAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2026 #429 – Get a PDF of the issue
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Curtis Franklin has been a journalist working in the computer and technology fields for more than forty years. From his early career as a columnist at Computer Shopper and the founder of the BYTE Testing Lab, he has covered computing devices from handheld to supercomputing and applications from trivial to life-altering. In 1988, he was the first editor of an exciting startup publication that was then called Circuit Cellar INK. Since then, he has edited and written for publications including ComputerWorld, NetworkWorld, InfoWorld, InformationWeek, and Dark Reading. Most recently, he was Principal Analyst for Cybersecurity Management at Omdia.
Curtis co-wrote one of the first books on podcasting and has been a host or co-host on more than 500 episodes of various podcasts, including hundreds of episodes of This Week in Enterprise Technology, a production of the TWiT Podcast Network.
When not telling stories of computers and the people who make them, Curtis is an amateur radio operator (KG4GWA), an artist, and a Florida Master Naturalist. He’s also active in the maker community, working on the teams that produce Maker Faire Orlando and Maker Faire Miami.
