SparkFun Qwiic Haptic Driver DA7280 Actuator Built in LRA

Description

Product Overview

The SparkFun Qwiic Haptic Driver DA7280 is a miniature linear resonant actuator (LRA) solution designed for developers who need precise, low‑power haptic feedback in their electronic projects. Integrated on a compact 1.18 × 1.06 × 0.24‑inch board, the driver pairs Dialog Semiconductor’s DA7280 motor driver IC with a built‑in LRA motor, delivering smooth, consistent vibrations. The board features two Qwiic connectors for plug‑and‑play I2C communication, eliminating the need for soldering, and includes optional 0.1‑inch‑spaced through‑hole pads for breadboard use. Key specifications include an ARM v7 processor, Bluetooth capability, a weight of just 0.317 oz, and a vibrant red color that makes it easy to locate on a prototype bench. Designed for the industrial and scientific market, it ranks highly in the Linear Motion Actuators category, reflecting its reliability and performance.

Usage

This driver excels in applications where tactile cues are essential, such as wearable devices, handheld controllers, robotics, and IoT gadgets. Whether you are building a custom game controller that needs a subtle click, a medical device that signals a user action, or an industrial sensor that alerts operators, the DA7280 provides a fast, repeatable vibration response. The Qwiic interface allows rapid integration with popular development platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and SparkFun’s own RedBoard, making it suitable for both hobbyists and professional engineers. Its low power consumption ensures long battery life in portable applications, and the optional PTH pads give you the flexibility to prototype on a breadboard before moving to a permanent PCB layout.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the SparkFun Qwiic Haptic Driver means selecting a product backed by SparkFun’s reputation for quality and community support. The board undergoes rigorous testing to meet industrial standards, and its design incorporates a robust ARM processor that guarantees reliable operation under varying environmental conditions. SparkFun provides comprehensive documentation, example code, and a responsive technical support team ready to assist with integration challenges. Additionally, the inclusion of both Qwiic connectors and breadboard‑friendly pads gives you the freedom to develop quickly and transition smoothly to production without redesigning the hardware.

Key Features

• Plug‑and‑play Qwiic connection eliminates soldering, speeding up development cycles.
• Dual control options (I2C, PWM, GPIO) let you fine‑tune vibration intensity and patterns.
• Compact size and low weight make it ideal for space‑constrained wearable and portable devices.
• Built‑in LRA motor provides smooth, consistent haptic feedback with minimal power draw.
• SparkFun’s dedicated support and extensive documentation ensure a hassle‑free integration experience.

FAQ

Can I use the driver with a breadboard?

Yes. In addition to the Qwiic connectors, the board includes 0.1‑inch‑spaced through‑hole pads that expose I2C, power, interrupt, and GPIO pins, allowing you to place the module on a standard breadboard for rapid prototyping.

What voltage range does the driver operate at?

The DA7280 driver operates from 3.3 V to 5 V, making it compatible with most microcontroller platforms and ensuring safe operation in battery‑powered applications.

Is the vibration motor replaceable?

The built‑in LRA motor is soldered onto the board for a compact form factor. If you need a different motor type or strength, you can design a custom carrier board that uses the same DA7280 driver IC, but the supplied module is intended as a complete, ready‑to‑use solution.

How do I program custom vibration patterns?

Using SparkFun’s open‑source libraries, you can send I2C commands to set vibration amplitude, duration, and repeat intervals. The driver also supports PWM input, allowing you to generate custom waveforms directly from a microcontroller.

What is the typical response time of the actuator?

The LRA motor responds within a few milliseconds, providing near‑instantaneous tactile feedback that feels natural to users in interactive applications.