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Capacitive Switches

A reliable source for Capacitive Switches information and leading Capacitive Switches Companies & Manufacturers.

A capacitive switch is an electronic capacitor that detects changes in capacitance values as a conductive object, such as your finger, approaches the sensing area. The change in that value is registered and interpreted as a switch activation. A capacitive membrane switch is a touch sensor that activates when the user makes contact with the sensor. The membrane switch employs capacitive sensing technology to perform traditional membrane switch functions with a light touch. Capacitive touch membrane switches provide excellent design flexibility, durability, and a modern appearance. Read More…

Capacitive Switches Capacitive switches are switches that need only be touched to carry out an action on a control panel.
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Leading Manufacturers

Perry, NY  |  800-227-5718

JN White is an ISO 9001:2015 and ITAR-certified manufacturer of membrane switches, graphic overlays, and custom labels. We nimbly handle projects big and small and have the uncommon ability to translate what our customers need into high-quality, high-precision outcomes.

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JN White $$$

Watertown, CT  |  800-853-5617

ECI Technologies is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative membrane switches, graphic overlays and electronic interfaces. We can produce tactile and non-tactile switches and keypads, as well as add features such as backlighting and environmental protection. We also offer quick-turn prototype design and production. Since 1991, we have been serving industries such as industrial, medical, military, and avionics.

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ECI Technologies $$$

Kirkland, WA  |  888-211-6325

With over 30 years of experience, ALMAX is a leading manufacturer of membrane switch assemblies, printed/flexible electronics, and interactive technologies. Our engineering and manufacturing capabilities are implemented and trusted around the globe, and we're proud to offer our clients a complete range of services that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

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ALMAX $$$

LaCrosse, WI  |  608-781-2570

DuraTech Industries is a manufacturer specializing in custom graphics for physical user interface displays. We design membrane switches, graphic overlays, panels, nameplates, touchscreens, and more. We have experience designing solutions for the automotive, consumer appliance, industrial, and medical sectors.

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DuraTech Industries $$$

Garland, TX  |  972-475-0770

Marking Systems Inc. was founded in 1970 to serve the Computer, Telecommunications, Electronics, Industrial Machine, Medical, Ad Specialty, Sporting goods, Marine, Measurement/Control and many other industries. Our specialty is providing products, including membrane switches of unrivaled quality, to our diverse customer base. Call us or visit our website today for more information.

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Marking Systems Inc. $$$
placeholder image JN White ECI Technologies ALMAX DuraTech Industries Marking Systems Inc.

The graphic overlay, circuit, and backer are the three basic components that make up a capacitive switch. Membrane switches of this type use conductive carbon-printed circuitry to generate an electrical field. Most buttons are composed of acrylic panels or injection parts with a backlight display feature and have a nice appearance. Because capacitive keypads have a fashionable appearance and a long service life, they are useful in many applications, including smart home appliances, automobiles, mobile phone communication, medical instruments, and toys.

Capacitive Switch

How Does a Capacitor Switch Work?

When switches are opened and closed, it transfers charge into and out of a capacitor. Non-overlapping signals are typically used to control the switches, also known as “break before make” switching. All switches are open for a very brief period during the switching transitions. There is induction capacitance between any two conductive objects. A key, specifically a solder pad, can also be an induction capacitance with the ground. Under the assumption that the surrounding environment remains constant, the induction capacitance has a small fixed value.

When human fingers are near the touch button, the inductive capacitance formed by human fingers and the ground increases the value of the total inductive capacitance. When a capacitive touch key IC detects a key's inductive capacitance value has changed, it generates a signal. Because the capacitive touch key lacks a mechanical structure, all detection is based on a small change in the electric quantity, making it more susceptible to all types of interference. As a result, the sensor's design and touch IC selection are critical.

Capacitive Switch Circuit

How are They Made?

Topflight capacitive touch switches can be made of polyester or other film materials, giving the designer a lot of leeway in graphic solutions and backlighting with a lot of impact and effect. They come complete with the sensor circuit, decorative graphics, and touch surface of your choice. Some capacitive switches are designed with adjustable surface sensitivity, allowing the device they support to be used with or without gloves.

Adjustable surface sensing is especially appealing in colder climates or when an operator must wear gloves for protection. Because capacitive switches operate through sense, they lack mechanical components, which eliminates the possibility of mechanical failure.

Capacitive Touch Switch

Applications of Capacitive Switches

Capacitive switches can be applied to several uses, including the following:

  • Medical devices
  • Portable devices like phones, laptops, and tablets use capacitive switches in their touch operation
  • Appliances
  • Consumer electronics
  • Personal computers
  • Gaming
  • Hospitality
  • Industrial
  • Kiosks

Capacitive switches are used in many industries, including aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, telecommunications, data/communications, and consumer electronics. They frequently function as buttons, sliders, touch pads, touch screens, and proximity settings as interface types. Wireless handsets, PC peripherals, LCD monitors, TVs, laptops, digital cameras, and kiosks are some examples of where they can be found.

Advantages of Capacitive Touch Membrane Switches

  • Elegant appearance
  • Durability and toughness
  • Easy maintenance
  • Flexible customization
  • Light touch control
  • Designs for scrolling and sliders
  • Capability for multiple touches
  • Design of a curved interface
  • Function and communication interface flexibility
  • Affordable backlighting alternatives
  • Long service life; the key usually has a life of 5-10 years and is not limited by the use of time.
  • Water-immune and dustproof solutions
  • Can incorporate haptic feedback
  • Line noise elimination
  • Extremely fast touch response -160 milliseconds
  • Very low current requirements

Disadvantages of a Capacitive Switch

  • They are sensitive to temperature.
  • It cannot interface with a non-conductive object.
  • Low-finished product qualification rate
  • Sensitivity to ambient electromagnetic interference
  • High design complexity
  • The interaction of electronic components and chips must be noticed.

Conclusion

A capacitive switch is an electronic capacitor that detects changes in capacitance values as a conductive object, such as your finger, approaches the sensing area. The change in that value is registered and interpreted as a switch activation. Environmental conditions, mechanical requirements, electrical requirements, appearance, and certification are all important factors when designing a capacitive switch.

Capacitive switches have grown in popularity as an alternative to mechanical switches, elastomer keypads, membrane switches, and other input device options in recent years. Capacitive switches offer exciting possibilities for your user interface, with no mechanical parts to wear out, intricate backlighting options, and a slender profile that can be applied to curved surfaces.

Choosing the Proper Capacitive Switch Manufacturer

To ensure you have the most beneficial outcome when purchasing capacitive switches from a capacitive switch manufacturer, it is important to compare several companies using our directory of capacitive switch manufacturers. Each capacitive switch manufacturer has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to directly communicate with the manufacturer for more information or request a quote. Review each capacitive switch business website using our patented website previewer to quickly learn what each company specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple capacitive switch companies with the same form.

Capacitive Switches Informational Video

 

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