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The development of smart home control panels
Interface technologies for controlling smart home appliances must be robust, reliable and designed for easy user interaction, see below for more information.
What is a smart home control panel?
A smart home control panel enables an operator to use touch or voice to control their smart home applications.
Smart home control panels are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendly and energy managing properties, their ability to make tasks easier in the home, as well as save money by easily monitoring energy usage.
Fridges, garage door control panels, home entertainment systems, security display panels, environmental controls such as air conditioning, heating, or lighting are the main appliances that use smart home technology.
What is the ideal interface for a smart home control panel?
There are many interface technologies that are suitable for a smart home control panel, and ultimately the design and main features will determine this, however the two leading interface options are touchscreen, or membrane. Depending on the panel specification and how much money you are wanting to spend on the technology will determine which is used.
- If a smart control panel display uses touch screen technology, there are many benefits such as reliability, durability, and no display limitations. However, they can be slightly more expensive, but do tend to provide a more sleek and modern display solution.
- If you are wanting lower tooling costs for a medium volume project, a membrane keypad is a better option. The simple switch construction and ability to incorporate UV resistant materials and waterproof front can make it a good solution for outdoor use, such as a garage control panel. However, a membrane panel can be seen as more old-fashioned and not as modern.
- If you require no custom features, then an off the shelf capacitive touch OLED display from WINSTAR could be a better alterative.
The application design specification will ultimately decide which interface can be used as the panel display. If you require a specific type of interface such as a touchscreen or membrane, then you will have to accommodate design to suit the electronic requirements.
Looking for a manufacturer to produce a smart home control panel?
At Diamond we can provide support throughout the whole design process for touch switch technologies and membrane keypads, both suitable for a smart home appliance control panel.
If you are an engineer or company wanting to talk about bringing a concept to life ready to sell commercially, contact us on +44 (0)1477 505206 to discuss a project, or fill out the form below.