Integrated active pen support delivers always-on stylus capability to Synaptics’ Windows 8.1-certified ClearPad 7500 touchscreen controllers. The advance helps reduce thickness and overall design costs by eliminating the need for an additional pen digitizer and pen controller application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). It boosts overall accuracy—sophisticated algorithms enable the inking of straight lines without jagged edges and curved lines that follow the pen motion. Seamless conversion is possible between pen and finger inputs thanks to enhanced palm rejection. Other new features include pressure sensing, hover detection, and active buttons (e.g., eraser and selection functions). Also available is an active pen hardware design for OEMs. Applications include smartphones, tablets, and notebook PCs.