Capacitive Interface: The Market Technologies

A couple of decades ago, mouse and keypads were the conventional input devices in the computing world. However, the persistent revolution in technology has brought a dramatic change in the IT world today. A lot has been changed, and a lot is on the cards. One such invention in the modern era is a touchscreen that has already replaced the old-fashioned input devices; mouse and keypad. Today, you can do anything with a touchscreen by simply swiping your fingers on the device screen. This article will discuss the different types of touchscreen, such as a resistive and capacitive interface.

What is a Capacitive Interface?

There are many human interface systems on the market that uses capacitive sensing or interface. We see this technology commonly in devices, like mobile phones, tablet computers, digital music players, and other such devices. We can even see touchscreens using a capacitive interface in commercial devices, like Kiosks, ATMs, and ticketing vending machines, etc. All touchscreen devices that you see around use a capacitive or some other type of interface.

So, the question is that what are the other types of touchscreen technologies currently available on the market? Numerous types of touchscreens are unique in different ways. Apart from surface capacitive, the other available types are surface acoustic wave (SAW), 5-Wire resistive, infrared, and projective capacitive.

Let’s go into a bit of detail about the available touchscreen technologies for a better understanding. Going through this information will help you understand what type of touchscreen device you should buy.

1. Resistive Touchscreen

The 5-Wire resistive touchscreen is a widely used touchscreen type known as the most popular technology these days. It consists of one film screen, one glass panel, and a tinny metallic layer covering both the film screen and the glass panel. There is a thin gap between the two layers, and when you tap on the device screen, it establishes contact between these metallic layers. As a result, electrical flow is created. The contact point is detected through this voltage change.

Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons:

Pros:

You can activate a resistive touchscreen with almost anything, such as a pen, gloved hand, stylus, or your finger. Resistive touch offers a tactile feel. This technology is currently the cheapest possible touchscreen technology in terms of cost. Another advantage of a resistive touch is that it consumes less power as compared to other technologies. Resistive touch is resistant to liquids and surface contaminants, like moisture, grease, oil, and dust.

Cons:

One drawback of a resistive touchscreen is its low image clarity. Its image clarity is lower when we compare it with the other touchscreen technologies. The outer layer of a resistive touchscreen is prone to poking, scratching, and razor-sharp objects that can damage.

2. Surface Capacitive Touchscreen

After resistive, the capacitive interface is the most popular touchscreen type available in the touchscreen world. There is a see-through electrode layer that covers the glass panel. This electrode layer has a protective covering for safety. When you touch the display screen, it responds to a static electric capacity of your body. As a result, a small amount of electric charge transfers to your body from the display screen.

Sensors at all four display corners detect this capacitance decrease, allowing the controller to determine a touch-point. You can activate a capacitive touchscreen only by the human skin or through an electrically charged stylus. Let’s go through the advantages and disadvantages of a capacitive touchscreen.

Pros:

A capacitive touchscreen offers improved clarity in images as compared to resistive touchscreens. If you prefer better image quality, then you should opt for the surface capacitive touchscreens. Another noticeable advantage of this technology is durability. Capacitive screens are durable than their counterparts. They also offer exceptional resistance to liquids and surface contaminants, like grease, oil, water droplets, and dust. Capacitive screens are also highly scratch-resistant, which makes them a superior choice.

Cons:

Capacitive touchscreens are sensitive to RFI/EMI. They need a capacitive stylus or bare finger for activation. Apart from that, there is no other disadvantage associated with capacitive interface technology.

3. Projected Capacitive

This technology is very much like capacitive touchscreen technology. However, there are a couple of significant advantages that separate it from the rest. Instead of bare fingers, you can activate projected capacitive touchscreens with thin cotton gloves or surgical gloves. Projected capacitive touch also allows multi-touch activation. Therefore, you can use two fingers for simultaneous input on your device.

This type of touchscreen consists of a glass sheet with embedded see-through electrode films. There is also one IC chip that creates a 3D electrostatic field. The electric current ratio changes when you tap the touchscreen with your finger. After that, the device detects the touch area.

Read the following cons and pros for a better understanding:

Pros:

The main advantage associated with a projected capacitive interface is the exceptional image clarity. It offers improved scratch resistance as compared to the surface capacitive touchscreen. Projected capacitive touch is resistant to liquids and surface contaminants, such as dust, moisture, grease, and oil. Another big advantage of this technology is the two-touch (multi-touch) operation.

Cons:

One disadvantage of a projected capacitive touch is its sensitivity to RFI/EMI. You cannot activate this type of touchscreen without thin cotton or surgical gloves or exposed fingers.

4. SAW Touch

SAW stands for surface acoustic wave. This touchscreen display type uses a sequence of piezoelectric receivers and transducers besides the glass plate of display for creating an invisible ultrasonic eaves grid. When you touch the panel, a wave portion is absorbed. This process helps the receiver transducer in locating the contact point. After that, it transfers the information to the computer. You can activate SAW displays through your finger, a soft-tip stylus, or a gloved hand. This type of touchscreen display is known for its high visibility and ease of use.

Let’s discuss the main advantages and disadvantages that come with a SAW touch:

Pros:

The primary benefit of a surface acoustic wave is its admirable image clarity. SAW touch is scratch-resistance which is even better than the capacitive interface. Another noticeable advantage of this touchscreen technology is its high touch-life.

Cons:

You cannot activate a SAW touchscreen with a hard item, like a fingernail, credit card, or pen. It is not resistant to water droplets. Water droplets on your device screen can cause false triggering. Solid contaminants create non-touch spots on the device screen, and you will have to remove them repeatedly for excellent working.

IR (Infrared) Touch:

IR or infrared touch is another popular type of touchscreen technology available on the market. There is no overlay display for a screen sandwich or extra screen. As an alternative, these monitors utilize IR receivers and emitters for creating a light beam’s invisible grid along with the screen. Therefore, we get the most favorable image quality. The sensors identify the contact point when an invisible IR light beam is interrupted by an object.

Here are the pros and cons of an Infrared touch display:

Pros:

Infrared touch displays are popular because they have the highest light transmission and image clarity. There is no other touchscreen technology superior to IR Touch when it comes to light transmission and image clarity. The unlimited touch life of infrared touch displays is another noticeable benefit we get with this technology. Infrared touch is also resistant to surface scratches.

Cons:

In infrared touch, IR beams are above the surface of the glass. Due to this, you may experience accidental touch activation. The light beams can impede if there is a buildup of grease, oil, or dust. If this happens, then the device can malfunction. IR touch displays are sensitive to rain, snow, and water. Therefore, you need to keep your device away from moisture and snow. This technology can also be ambient light interface sensitive. Another downside is the high cost of this technology.

How to Choose the Right Touchscreen?

There are five popular types of touchscreen technologies available on the market. So, the question is that what kind of touchscreen technology should you choose for your use? How would you know this? Several factors help you decide whether you should buy a capacitive interface technology device or some other technology. You must choose the technology according to the application type and your surrounding environment. It is also essential to know what system performance you need before selecting the technology.

Remember if you pick an inappropriate technology, it can go wrong for your applications, like POS terminal, digital sign, or kiosk. Wrong selection leads to unsatisfied customers. Ultimately, this damages the reputation of the business. So, you must be extremely careful about the technology selection.

Here are the most critical factors you should keep in mind before choosing a technology:

1. Location

The location where you are going to use the touchscreen device is vital. It helps you decide whether you should opt for waterproof technology or something else. So, you should be clear in mind about the outdoor or indoor use of the device.

2. The Use

How users will use the touchscreen device is an essential factor in selecting the appropriate technology. Therefore, you should know if the touchscreen display is prone to vandalism and abuse and choose the technology accordingly.

3. Environment

It is also vital to know about the operating conditions. Different types of touchscreen technologies are suitable for different environments. Are you going to use the touchscreen in contamination, fair weather, or interference? For example, the capacitive interface is water droplet resistant, so that it would be appropriate for outdoor use.

4. Size

You need to be very clear about the correct size for the application. Be confident about the expected number of customers who will be using your touchscreen device. This factor will help you decide what type and size touchscreen you need to buy.

Summary:

There are five types of touchscreen technologies; surface capacitive, projected capacitive, resistive touch, IR (Infrared) touch, and SAW touch. Choosing the correct kind of touchscreen technology is vital for the success of any business or operation.

You can choose the most suitable kind of touchscreen technology for your application by considering the essential factors listed above. We hope this article has helped you select the most appropriate touchscreen technology for your application.

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