Agilent Technologies Introduces Three Industry-Leading, LED-Based Navigation Sensors for Cordless and Corded Optical Mice; Devices Make Breakthroughs in Power Consumption, Performance, Package Size

Business Wire, August 10, 2005

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced three new LED-based optical mouse sensors, each offering industry-best features. One sensor offers the lowest power consumption, which enables the longest battery life in cordless mice. Two entry-level sensors provide improved performance and tracking in the industry's smallest package.

"Today's computer users prefer optical mice across the entire value spectrum, from entry-level to very-high-performance gaming mice," said Ngoh Kee-Hane, vice president and general manager of the Navigation Products Division in Agilent's Semiconductor Products Group. "As the world's leading supplier of optical mouse sensors, Agilent will continue to make product improvements that enable manufacturers of both cordless and corded mice to offer new levels of mouse performance and economy."

ADNS-3040 Features

The ADNS-3040 is optimized for battery operation, offering the industry's lowest power consumption and longest battery life. The sensor provides up to 18 months of operation from alkaline AA battery cells. It operates from as low as 2.5 V and incorporates three self-adjusting power-saving modes. With the mouse moving, the ADNS-3040 consumes a typical current of 2.9 mA compared with 13 mA for Agilent's ADNS-2030, which was previously the company's lowest-power mouse sensor. Depending on the selected power-saving mode, current consumption ranges from 30 microamperes (uA) to 500 uA with the mouse resting. Typical current consumption in power-down mode is approximately 1 uA.

The ADNS-3040 features an adjustable frame rate (the number of "snapshots" the sensor takes per second), which automatically matches the frame rate to the surface characteristics for optimum performance. If the navigation surface reflects light efficiently, for example, the sensor will tune for a higher frame rate to improve the tracking performance. This sensor also has 400 or 800 count-per-inch resolution, and speeds up to 20 inches per second, with acceleration rates of up to 8 g. It operates on a single power supply of 2.5 V to 3.3 V nominal. The ADNS-3040 is designed to be used with the Agilent ADNS-3120 lens and ADNS-2220 clip with the HLMP-ED80 light emitting diode. Together, these parts form a complete, compact mouse sensor solution.

ADNS-5030 Features

Agilent's ADNS-5030 entry-level sensor for cordless mice is supplied in the industry's smallest optical sensor package (9.9 mm long by 12.85 mm wide by 4.32 mm high). The sensor will operate for approximately four months from alkaline AA cells (3.3 V nominal). The ADNS-5030 frame rate mechanism is similar to the ADNS-3040's, which automatically adjusts based on the surface characteristics for optimum performance. The sensor also offers up to 1000 cpi resolution and speeds up to 14 ips, with acceleration rates of up to 2 g. It provides automatic power conservation when the mouse is not moved, and its integrated 24 MHz oscillator and LED driver reduce component count for new mouse designs. The ADNS-5030 along with the ADNS-5100 lens, ADNS-5200 clip and HLMP-ED80 LED form a complete tracking system for wireless mice, with the smallest footprint available.

ADNS-5020 Features

The ADNS-5020, also supplied in the industry's smallest package, is an entry-level mouse sensor optimized for LED-based corded mice. The sensor is an upgrade to Agilent's ADNS-2610 and ADNS-2620, which were previously the company's entry-level mouse sensors. The ADNS-5020 operates from 5 V and features Agilent's self-adjusting frame rate for optimum performance. It offers selectable 500 and 1000 cpi resolution, and speeds up to 14 ips, with acceleration rates of up to 2 g. The sensor incorporates a built-in 24 MHz oscillator, eliminating the need for an external oscillator; directly drives the LED light source, eliminating an external transistor; and offers improved tracking to eliminate cursor jump. The ADNS-5020 also mates with the ADNS-5100 lens, ADNS-5200 clip and HLMP-ED80 LED.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent ADNS-3040 optical mouse sensor will be available later this month in production volumes through Agilent's direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners. Pricing for the ADNS-3040 starts at $3.90 each in low-volume quantities. Two versions of the ADNB-3042 bundle kit are offered: One combines the optical mouse sensor with ADNS-3120 lens, and HLMP- ED80-PS000 LED; the other includes only the optical mouse sensor and lens. Pricing for the ADNB-3042 bundle kit starts from $4.10 in low-volume quantities.

Engineering samples of the ADNS-5020 and ADNS-5030 optical mouse sensors will be available later this month to selected customers.

Agilent Optical Mouse Sensor Solutions

Agilent pioneered position sensing for mouse technology and supplies these products to all major optical mouse manufacturers worldwide, having shipped more than 400 million sensors to date. Agilent provides a broad portfolio of mouse sensors, ranging from inexpensive, entry-level LED-based models to high-precision versions. Since their introduction, optical mice powered by Agilent's optical sensing technology have established themselves as the standard in computer input devices. Agilent's new LaserStream technology is expected to revolutionize the mouse industry yet again.