Interactive Remote Controls Feature Enhanced Versatility

Oct. 2, 2000

Two additions to Interlink Electronics' Interactive Remote Control (IRC) family, the IRC-TE and IRC-TG, accelerate product development and reduce engineering costs. Like all IRC models, these multibutton controls use Interlink's proprietary...

Roger Allan

These devices combine the distinctiveness of fully customized remote controls with the lower costs and rapid development cycles typically associated with private-label solutions. Both rely on a pair of AAA batteries for power. They also use an infrared communications link to provide a 10-m wireless range. Their transmitter supports 360° mouse pointing, left and right mouse click functions, an optional laser pointer, and key backlighting. Designers have a choice of case color as well.

The IRC-TE's case design provides two user-configurable keypad areas (lower figure). Manufacturers may selectively populate as many as 14 standard-sized keys onto these two areas, using graphic overlays or LED indicators to cover unused key locations. Alternatively, OEMs can fully customize these keypads, specifying the exact shape, location, and function of the keys.

The IRC-TG's compact case accommodates up to six buttons on its surface and more on a keypad area concealed under a flip cover. Designers may selectively populate as many as nine keys in this area, using graphic overlays to cover unused locations. Its flip-top door also can be used as a mode switch, changing the function of the unit's primary six outer keys when open.

To help OEMs se-lect the combination of IRC-TE or IRC-TG options that best meets their needs, Interlink's IRC Design Wizard document specifies all aspects of remote-control customization.

Interlink Electronics Inc., 546 Flynn Rd., Camarillo, CA 93012; (800) 340-1331, (805) 484-8855; fax (805) 484-8989; www.interlinkelec.com.

To receive a copy of the IRC Design Wizard, call (800) 340-1331 or (805) 484-1331, or fax (805) 484-8989.

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.