CoilPad

Turn Any Smooth Surface into an Actuator, Buzzer, or Heater!

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Pack Size
Description & Specifications CoilPad Specifications
CoilPad Image

CoilPad is a Magnetic Sticker Actuator. It's just 0.1mm thin, flexible, and sticks to things. Flat or curved, just stick a CoilPad onto any smooth surface, add a magnet, and watch it swing. You can also hack it into the thin buzzer, micro-heater, or metal-detector!

The coil can be stuck on a curved surface, with an 18mm minimum bending radius. The adhesive used on the backside is 3M467. Its cover can be peeled off using a pair of tweezers. Always clean the surface before sticking the actuator, and it is very important to peel off the cover before powering on the coil; otherwise, the adhesive cover might get damaged.

Some other Notes:

  • Take caution when using the CoilPad - depending on the application, it might heat up to 100°C. Keep hands away from hot regions to prevent injury.
  • The force produced by a CoilPad depends on the mechanical elements of your project, as well as the weight and strength of your magnet.
  • For smooth organic motions, we recommend using silicone-insulated wires & the DriveCell's smooth PWM library.
  • The magnetic field strength of the CoilPad can be roughly doubled by placing iron or steel underneath it, turning it into a weak electromagnet.
CoilPad Image
  • Electrical:
    • Resistance: 24Ω ± 6Ω
    • Inductance: 30.7uH ± 2uH
    • Peak Magnetic Field Strength: 2.7mT
    • Maximum Power: 1W
    • Maximum Steady Voltage: 4.5V
    • Maximum Pulsed Voltage: 5V
    • Maximum Operating Temperature: 100°C
  • Mechanical:
    • Dimensions: 17x19mm
    • Thickness: 0.1mm
    • Weight: 0.08 grams
    • Connector Pitch: 2.54mm

CoilPad is an electronic development module intended for integration into prototypes and DIY electronic projects. It is not a finished standalone appliance or a toy. Supporting RoHS records are maintained for the PCB assembly materials, specified components and supplied accessories. The designer or manufacturer of a completed product incorporating CoilPad is responsible for assessing that finished product against all applicable safety, EMC, environmental and other regulatory requirements. For commercial product integration, please get in touch.

3D Model
Safety & Use CoilPad Safety and Use
  • Use only with a regulated low-voltage DC supply. Do not exceed 4.5V continuously, 5V when pulsed, or 1W of coil power—whichever limit is reached first.
  • When using PWM or pulsed operation, select a suitable duty cycle and monitor the coil temperature to keep it within its ratings.
  • Disconnect power before soldering, wiring, mounting or modifying the project.
  • Check all wiring for short circuits before applying power. Use a suitable transistor or driver, such as an H-bridge, when controlling or reversing the coil current.
  • The coil can become hot enough to cause burns. Avoid touching it during operation and allow it to cool before handling.
  • The stated 100°C maximum operating temperature is a component limit, not a safe handling temperature.
  • When using CoilPad as a heater, use suitable temperature monitoring and current limiting. Do not place it against skin, flammable materials or heat-sensitive surfaces, and do not leave it operating unattended.
  • Do not bend the CoilPad tighter than its specified minimum bending radius, or crease, puncture, cut or apply excessive force to the flexible PCB.
  • Remove the adhesive backing before applying power. Ensure the mounting surface is clean and confirm that the CoilPad is securely attached before operation.
  • If magnets are used, secure them properly. Small magnets can cause serious injury if swallowed, so keep them away from young children.
  • Keep CoilPad away from moisture, conductive debris, magnetically sensitive equipment and medical implants.
  • CoilPad is not a toy. Children should use it only under the direct supervision of a competent adult.
  • Do not use CoilPad with mains electricity, in safety-critical equipment, or where overheating or unexpected movement could cause harm.

CoilPad is an electronic development module designed for DIY projects and prototypes. When integrating it into a completed project, you’re responsible for ensuring that its power supply, driver circuit, wiring, mounting, temperature and moving parts are safe and suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions CoilPad FAQs
Can two CoilPads repel each other?

CoilPad can attract and repel magnets by generating a magnetic field. However, the field it creates is much weaker than the magnetic field of a magnet. As a result, the forces generated are primarily due to the magnet. Unfortunately, this means two CoilPads cannot attract or repel each other.

Why does it need a DriveCell?

Want to make a CoilPad flap or vibrate with magnets? To achieve this, you'll need transistors like an H-Bridge to flip its polarity or varry the current through the coil. This is usually quite a bulky setup, which is why we highly recommend our compact DriveCell module, measuring just 0.8 cm wide! It can deliver up to 1.8A, giving you the power to control up to 8 CoilPads with a single DriveCell!

What ages is CoilPad suitable for?

CoilPad is ideal for anyone interested in exploring electronics! For younger users, we recommend adult supervision and guidance, as CoilPad requires soldering and can heat up to 100°C during use. To prevent injury, keep hands away from hot surfaces and always turn off the coil when not in use. Please note that the package contains small parts, such as magnet, which should be handled with care.

How fast can a CoilPad actuate?

This depends on the magnet you're using and the actuation distance you're trying to achieve, but it typically peaks at 25Hz.

How do I get started?

CoilPad comes with well explained tutorials and multiple examples. All tutorials can be found here: CoilPad Tutorials

Manufacturer & Shipping Information CoilPad Manufacturer Information

CoilPad is stocked and shipped from Malta, European Union, and is available for international shipping to supported destinations. Available shipping methods, estimated delivery times, and shipping costs are displayed at checkout. Deliveries outside the European Union may be subject to local import duties, taxes, or customs fees.


Product: CoilPad
Product Revision: Revision 1
Product SKUs: MB-MM-CP-01 & MB-MM-CP-02
Country of Manufacture: China
Manufacturer: Microbots Ltd.
Address: Birzebbuga, Malta
Email: info@microbots.io

Things You Can Build

Magnetic Surface

Magnetic Surface

Flat or curved, stick it to anything smooth! Place a magnet near it to create motion

Kinetic Sign

Kinetic Sign

Want to grab attention? Stick it to your message & go crazy with the frequency to catch some eyes!

Micro-Heater

Micro-Heater

Warm things up! It's round thin tiny area can safely heat up to 100ºC (212ºF) heating the surface

Origami Actuator

Origami

Solder CoilPad with flexible silicone wires to actuate and vibrate your paper creatures to life!

Magnetic Buzzer

Magnetic Buzzer

Bzzz! Add a magnet and drive it between 2kHz-16kHz ~ Turning it into an annoying buzzer!

LC Oscillator

LC Oscillator

Add a capacitor in parallel & drive it at its resonant frequency, to detect metal or power a wireless LED!

What's in the box?

Unbox, Power Up & Start Actuating

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Choose a Tutorial to Kickstart your Project:

Actuator Buzz Vibrate Sense Micro Heater