LAS VEGAS— The race is on among handset makers to pack their devices with as many applications as possible, including Internet access and text messaging, multimedia storage and playback, 3D gaming, mobile TV and video capture. However, additional features require more support for peripherals and also present challenges when implemented in slider or clamshell configurations. The hinges and sliders used in these designs can cause electromagnetic interference and mechanical stress.

To help address these challenges, Toshiba America Electronic Components (TAEC) added the TC35892XBG flexible I/O expander to its line. It’s designed to provide additional I/O ports, allowing devices such as keypads, LEDs and rotator wheels to interface with a mobile handset or other portable consumer electronics device’s baseband and/or application processor. It also reduces the wired connections in these designs while also providing flexibility to handle various keypad layouts from 2×2 to 8×12 with up to 96 keys and eight special function keys.

The San Jose, Calif.-based company also introduced three Dynastron image sensors based on its high-sensitivity pixel technology as well as two new chip-scale camera modules (CSCM) for use in cameraphones.