Let’s Explore the World of Capacitive Touch Sensor Applications

Capacitive touch sensing is a technology that allows a person to interact directly with an electronic device by pressing, swiping, or moving objects across the device’s interface. Capacitive touch sensors are used in a wide range of consumer electronics. Taking MICRON 55 Inch Metal Mesh Projected Capacitive Touch Sensor as an example, it’s widely applied in Industrial control screens, home appliances, Car LCDs, ATM machines, POS machines, KIOSK, and so on.

What are capacitive touch sensors?

Captive touch sensors are a type of technology that lets people use a device’s touch screen to interact with it. This technology enables users to engage in a way that is both more intuitive and natural, which enables it to be used to develop new and innovative user experiences. Captive touch sensors are characterized by a high degree of accuracy, efficiency, and longevity. They are also capable of providing tactile feedback, which contributes to an improved user experience and can be used in tough conditions. 

It is constructed using a technology known as metal mesh. There are many capacitive touch sensor applications, including the detection and tracking of human fingers for use in gesture-based user interfaces, as well as the detection and tracking of industrial tools and other items for use in logistics and manufacturing applications.

How do capacitive touch sensors work? 

One of the more recent developments in touch-sensing technology is something called a capacitive touch sensor. The human body’s ability to conduct electricity is essential to the capacitive touch phenomenon. The intrinsic conductivity of the human body is what allows touch to be detected. It is made up of atoms and electrons, and it permits a very small current of electricity to flow through it.

The sensor has two conductors that are parallel to one another and an insulator in between them. These conductors perform the function of a capacitor and have an associated capacitance value. Copper oxide or indium tin oxide is the type of conductor that is most commonly utilized in both layers. The conductor function of the finger is activated whenever it comes into contact with the screen. Due to the presence of this additional conduction, the capacitance of the second conductor layer has increased. 

The static energy that was on the finger is now on the second layer of the conductor. This results in a change in the specific electrostatic field that exists in the conductor layer. The circuit is able to determine the place of the disturbance thanks to the computations performed by the CPU; as a result, you are able to identify the place at which the finger was touched.

Types of capacitive touch sensors: 

There are two types of capacitive touchscreens.

1. Surface capacitive touch sensor: 

A surface capacitive touchscreen uses a transparent layer of conductive film on top of a glass sublayer. After that, a protective layer is deposited on top of the conductive film. In order to establish a consistent electric field, voltage is given to the electrodes that are located on the four corners of the glass sublayer.

When a conductor makes contact with the screen, current flows in the opposite direction, from the electrodes to the conductor. Next, the activity of the currents is used to inform a calculation that determines the placement of the conductor. Touchscreens with a surface capacitive interface are frequently employed for large screen panels.

2. Projected capacitive touch sensor: 

Projected capacitive touchscreens also measure capacitance to detect touch commands. Behind the glass, the top layer is hidden two layers of conductive coatings that are arranged perpendicular to one another and provide vertical and horizontal patterned tracks for projected touchscreen sensors.

When a conductor gets closer to the screen, there is a change in the electrical field that is created between the electrodes. As a result, sensors can immediately identify the place on the screen. Touchscreens with projected capacitive technology are able to correctly register multiple touches. Projected capacitive touchscreens are known for their high level of accuracy as well as their lightning-fast response times.

Capacitive touch sensor applications:

Capacitive touch sensors are widely used for the design of interactive surfaces. They are easy to use, easy to integrate into a system, and easy to maintain. The sensor can be projected on top of any surface with an LED projector. The projected image is then detected by the sensor using an optical triangulation technique. This allows the detection of touches at any location in the projected area. Here let’s talk about capacitive touch sensor applications:

1. Touch-sensitive interactive displays

Touch-sensitive interactive displays are projected capacitive touch screen devices that use a projected capacitive sensing technology. A projected capacitive sensor is a touchscreen device that uses an infrared light source and a series of transparent electrodes to detect the position of a user’s finger, stylus, or other objects in contact with the surface of the display. The projected capacitive sensor can sense the position of multiple objects simultaneously and can distinguish between them based on their unique electrical characteristics.

2. Touch-sensitive gaming tables

Touch-sensitive gaming tables are becoming increasingly popular as a new way for people to attract high rollers. They allow players to interact with games in different ways and also bring new levels of engagement to the table. The tables have sensors under the surface that can detect when someone touches them or places an object on them. These are then used by the software running on the table to perform certain actions.

3. Touch-sensitive kiosks

Touch-sensitive kiosks are an excellent way to provide customers with services and products at their convenience. For example, a jewelry store can use a touch-sensitive kiosk to show customers different items, allowing them to touch each item they’re interested in. The kiosk will then display the price and allow them to purchase it right away.

Conclusion: 

Micron is your best option if you are looking for a capacitive sensor manufacturer that is known for its high level of quality. Since more than a decade ago, MICRON has been the leading manufacturer of capacitive touch sensors. Products manufactured by Micron find widespread use in a variety of industries, including those concerned with the production of medical equipment, electronic advertisement displays, and other consumer electronics.