Why Use Capacitance?

NO MOVING PARTS

Membrane Switches and mechanical switches rely on the movement of flexible layers. Capacitance technology does not require any moving layers greatly extending the potential life of the switch

GLASS AND OTHER RIGID INTERFACES CAN BE USED

Because capacitance does not rely on the flexing of the interface overlay, rigid material can be used as the human interface. This allows for the integration of high-end materials such as glass or thick plastic sheet.

VERY LOW OR NO ACTUATION FORCE CAN BE ACHIEVED

Competing switch technologies typically require at least 5 ounces of pressure in order to activate the switch. By integrating capacitance sensing electronics there are no minimum actuation force requirements. In fact, the switch can be designed that it activates as the human comes within proximity of the switch.

How Does it Work?

Membrane switches and other traditional switch technologies require a conductive layer to be pressed and subsequently moved in order to make contact with a conductive switch pad. In contrast, capacitance switches work by integrating capacitance sensing electronics. As a human’s finger gets closer to a surface, the electronics detects a change in the capacitance of the surface. The sensitivity of this detection can be adjusted to accommodate the materials used as well as the desired actuation force.