Capacitive Switches
Capacitive switching has been around for many years, becoming more popular with a wide range of new technologies, most notably the iPod and track pads on laptops.
In recent years it has made the successful evolution into touch screen technology, providing the capacitive touch sensing component of touch screen interfaces. Moving away from the mechanical and more traditional push button switch, Capacitive sensing allows much more refined control of touch buttons and accommodates a wider range of native human interactions such as ‘dragging’, ‘swiping’, ‘pinching’ and drawing through, what has become, a familiar interface style.
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Gallery
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Capacitive Scroll Wheel Circuit
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Capacitive Switch Panel Circuit
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Capacative touch panel with undersurface printed keypad
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Common application for Capacitive Switching
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Capacitive Layer Construction
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Without the need of mechanical movement, capacitive switching enables completely sealed systems to be accommodated, protecting underlying mechanical and electrical components from liquids or particulates, which may be damaging to internal components. The minimal, or in some instances zero pressure required to operate, results in reduced stress and mechanical wear on the unit.
Available as part of a designed interface or as a clear component, capacitive sensing permits switching through various mediums, such as glass and acrylics. This allows control over components such as display screens underneath, whilst separating users from sensitive components.