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Capacitive Touch Keypads – Why are they becoming such a popular interface solution?
Simpler integration of capacitive touch technology in a wide range of harsh operating environments has made it a common choice for many designers. Now capable of gloved hand operation, capacitive touch has changed workplace interaction with machines and computers.
What is Capacitive Touch Technology?
The most prominent capacitive interface is on a mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. When we swipe, pinch or otherwise touch the screen with our finger the internal electric field structure is changed. Instead of interpreting mouse clicks and keyboard strokes, the locations of these field changes are relayed to the device’s processor, which interprets the movement to perform a function.
Due to the large investment in tooling, custom capacitive interfaces have predominantly been used for high volume consumer products. However, enhanced driver devices and simpler implementation allows capacitive touch to be considered for lower volume industrial applications with display or as discrete switches. As well as providing a clean and flexible interface, user familiarity from consumer goods aides customer acceptance in the field.
Benefits of Capacitive Touch Screens
A designer may decide to use a capacitive touch screen within an industrial application for several reasons.
- Capacitive touch technology offers exceptional design flexibility, maximum display clarity and brightness, and can be designed with no shape loss, or deformation over time.
- Chemical and scratch-resistant features can be integrated, excellent for rugged industrial environments.
- Capacitive touch screens can be considered more pleasant to work with, the ability to be used with a gloved hand, stylus or finger useful in industrial environments.
- Capacitive touch screens are aesthetically pleasing, providing a more consumer-based design.
- Other features that can be incorporated include backlighting, haptics, capacitive sensors, keys, sliders and wheels.
Will Capacitive Touch Screens overtake other interface technologies?
Consumer familiarity, rapid developments and cost improvements will increase the use of capacitive touch technology in industrial environments. However, ultimately when deciding on an interface solution it comes down to the operating environment conditions and user expectations. Capacitive touch screens can be resilient to many external elements. But under some circumstances a silicone rubber keypad or a membrane keypad could be better suited. Designers must be aware of design restraints, so the correct interface technology is used.
Typical Applications of Capacitive Touch Screens
- Machinery control panels
- Home appliances
- Automotive interiors
- Vending machines
- Medical devices
- Communication and navigation devices
- Kiosk terminals
Capacitive Touch Screens from Diamond HMI
At Diamond HMI our team are here to help. We can support you to design a custom capacitive touch interface that provides reliable functionality and is aesthetically pleasing. For more information visit our Capacitive Touch Keypads page or contact one of our team on 01477505206.