Elegant and effective interactions

Overview

SimTouch keypads are designed to create the light feel of capacitive touch switches at a fraction of the cost. Using Pannam's innovative conductive ink switch technology, SimTouch enables designers to create user interfaces limited only by their imagination. Light actuation force switches have become a characteristic of elegant product designs, thereby creating competitive advantage.

SimTouch technology uses a flexible overlay laminated to the switch circuitry. As a result of low actuation force and short travel distance, the experience of a capacitive touch switch is simulated. SimTouch construction also permits use of thicker overlay materials providing a smooth glass-like finish or brushed metallic finish for a stainless steel look.

Typical Construction

• 0.010" (.25mm) polycarbonate overlay (hardcoated, textured or brushed metallic finishes)
• 0.007" (0.18mm) polyester overlay (hardcoated and UV resistant finishes)
• Activation pads can be screened directly on overlay or on an additional polyester layer
• Selectively printed screenable adhesive or die cut spacer
• Conductive circuitry/force sensing layer
• Polyester circuit
• Pressure sensitive mounting adhesive

UL Recognized Component

• File # E156070

Specifications

• SimTouch and SimScroll switch arrays can be integrated with flexible segmented displays to create touch panel functionality

1. Force applied on top of the polycarbonate is transmitted to the force-sensing resistor material.
2. This causes a drop in resistance, which is detected by the electronics connected to the membrane circuitry.
3. The electronics then perform a switching action.
4. Switch is not affected by temperature or pressure changes.

Environmental Testing

Subjected to temperature and humidity cycle of:

1. Transition from ambient 1.0 Hour
2. Steady state @ 5 C, 30% RH +/- 20% 1.0 Hour
3. Transition to 85 C, 50% RH 1.0 Hour
4. Steady state @ 85 C, 50% RH 1.0 Hour
5. Transition from 85 C to 45 C, 90-98% RH 1.0 Hour
6. Steady state @ 45, 90-98% RH 1.0 Hour
7. Transition from 85 C to 45 C, 90-98% RH 1.0 Hour
8. Transition from 25 C to 105 C, 30% RH +/- 20% 1.0 Hour
9. Steady state @ 105 C, 30% RH +/- 20% 1.0
10. Transition from 105 C to 25 C, 20%RH 2.0 Hours
11. Steady state @ 25 C, 20%RH 1.0 Hour

Subjected to 30 cycles and monitored at various points in the test cycle. No anomalies found in the switch. Additional testing is ongoing

Operating Temperatures

Designed for -10 C to + 105 C, test results pending

Resistance

Open > 1 Megohm   Closed < 1 Kilohm