Haptic Drv
Controls electrical drive to a compatible vibration actuator to create tactile effects. ERM motors and LRAs have different drive requirements; the driver and actuator ratings must be checked together.
For example, TI's DRV2605 provides a waveform library and real-time playback control for ERM and LRA actuators. Its feedback architecture supports automatic overdrive and braking, with resonance tracking for LRAs. These are features of this device, not universal voltage or current ratings for haptic drivers.
In plain terms
Like a percussionist with a library of drum hits — instead of one rusty 'on/off' beat, the chip plays brushes, snares, and rim-shots so a notification feels different from a confirmation.
Why designers use it
- Generating repeatable tactile patterns without timing every drive pulse in the host.
- Using supported feedback, braking and resonance features.
- Adding tactile feedback to a suitable touch interface or wearable prototype.
Best for
- Phones
- Wearables
- Game controllers
Key specifications
- Actuator compatibility: ERM or LRA and exact electrical/mechanical requirements
- Supply and output: Use the selected driver's operating limits
- Control: Supported playback, feedback and resonance modes
When not to use it
- Where a simple buzzer (ERM driven by a GPIO and series resistor) suffices — the haptic driver is overkill on a low-cost pager.
- If only a single fixed waveform is needed at one fixed frequency — a dedicated oscillator IC plus FET is cheaper.
Common mistakes
- Applying a generic voltage or current figure to an actuator.
- Selecting ERM mode for an LRA or overlooking the device setup procedure.
- Assuming every driver provides automatic resonance tracking or identical braking.
Where you will find it
- A PlayStation 5 DualSense controller uses two voice-coil actuators driven by Texas Instruments DRV2624 haptic drivers: the chip's waveform sequencer plays envelopes generated by the game's audio engine, letting a rifle's recoil feel different from a bowstring's release in Horizon Forbidden West.
- A Google Pixel 8's Taptic-style LRA is driven by a TI DRV2624: when iOS-equivalent 'haptic touch' fires, the driver auto-tunes to the LRA's 175 Hz resonance and delivers a 30 ms shaped envelope that feels like a button press, not a rumble.
- A Tesla Model Y's centre-screen turn-signal taps use a Renesas haptic driver on each of two LRAs flanking the steering column: the brief 100 ms shaped pulses confirm a swipe in software-replaced stalks, restoring the click feedback that disappeared when Tesla deleted the physical stalk in 2024.
A short history
The DRV2605 is a documented example of an integrated ERM/LRA haptic driver. TI describes its waveform library, playback modes and feedback control. These features illustrate programmable tactile feedback without establishing which consumer products use the chip.
Good to know
- An ERM produces vibration by rotating an eccentric mass; an LRA requires a different drive strategy.
- Braking and resonance tracking can shape the feel of an effect when supported and correctly configured.