A Comprehensive Guide on PCB Based Membrane Keypad | Elecflex

For electronic gadgets, especially consumer goods, the ease and ‘feel’ of use can make or break the product as much as quality or innovation. Putting it simple, the user interface has to look and perform great.

PCB keypads allow for greater design flexibility. PCB membrane switches combine all membrane switch technologies in a single device. A PCB membrane switch can supply the electrical pathways OR be a support panel for the membrane overlay.

PCB Based Membrane Keypads: ADVANTAGES

• Higher conductivity or lower electrical resistance.
• Plating options include gold, tin-lead, and nickel.
• Electronics hermetic sealing of PCB and foil.
• Weight reductions and space savings through.
• It can be used in extreme environments.
• Ideal for smaller designs where trace routing limitations or dense circuit patterns exist.

Rigid PCB-Mounted Keypads Are More Durable

A durable, cost-effective way to meet the thermal expansion problem is by designing the switch circuitry onto a PCB. The circuit is then mounted to the metal backing plate with high-performance adhesives. This rigid laminate is much more resistant to cracking related to temperature swings or vibration and shock.

The printed circuit type design offers numerous advantages. LEDs can be soldered directly to the board for greater durability, and alike all PCB designs, a wide variety of connector plans can be utilized. The rear of the PCB is fully available for additional circuitry and can accommodate standard electronic components like capacitors, diodes, resistors, and ICs.

One of the principal advantages of a rigid PCB keypad is the wide variety of graphics that can be presented on the top overlay. Custom elastomer overlays can be screen-printed with a wide range of options to suit any application.

Backlighting Your PCB Membrane Switch Application

If you would like to backlight your application, the membrane switch construction would incorporate either LEDs or light guides for uniform lighting. Other options for backlighting, includes EL backlighting and fiber optic backlighting. Depending on your application requirements, like thickness preference, environmental exposure, shape, and other unique specifications, the backlighting options would vary and be selected specifically to fit the function of your device. Using the latest LED powered lighting can reduce power and cost used by a device. Since many devices today are portable, the backlighting solution is more relevant than ever.

A variety of applications using backlighting solutions are medical devices in dimly lit operating rooms, airplane dashboards, laboratory equipment, remote controls, and consumer appliances like laptop keyboards, microwaves, coffee makers, and more, which we come in contact with sporadically or daily.

PCB Membrane Keypads Design Options and Considerations –

• Tight trace routing capabilities
• Pillow or rim-embossed graphic overlays
• Single-sides, double-sides, and multi-layer designs available
• Graphic overlays can be screen printed, digitally printed, or a combination of both
• Plating options include nickel, gold, or tin-lead
• Tactile and non-tactile with either polyester or metal tactile domes
• LEDs and other components can be soldered and more robust

Visit Elecflex to learn more about the various constructions and product features we can offer, and how our experts can help you customize your membrane switch to meet specific requirements. Our rigid PCB based membrane switch will help you gain better performance and reliability. The PCB keypad uses rigid-PCB instead of PET-based silver ink printed circuit, which is suitable for the applications with complicated circuit layout mounted.

Contact us today for more!

Membrane switch manufacturer – best services that you should opt for

When it comes to the best quality membrane switches, the first thing that you would want is to have a premium quality switch. The reason is you would definitely want to use the switch for a long period of time. One of the most important features of the membrane switch manufacturer is to ensure that the safety and security of the devices, be it mechanical or electrical, can be kept intact. As the pioneers of developing the finest quality switches, we have got the best collection of membrane switches. Another important feature of our organization is we have got numerous experienced professionals that are capable of delivering the highest quality products for a wide range of multinational clients.

We understand that you are concerned about how long an organization has been in business. You can rest assured that we have been in business for quite a long period of time. And that’s exactly why we have got the required expertise for dealing with all sorts of requirements of every single customer of membrane switch.

Another factor that you need to consider is making sure whether the membrane switch manufacturer is complying with international standards or not. This is why the manufacturer needs to be trained well enough so that they are well experienced in meeting all the client requirements for all products. Apart from that the manufacturer should also be able to provide something completely customized for you depending on your specific requirements.

Getting the highest quality membrane switch is not that difficult. All you have to do is share the specifications with us and we will take care of the membrane switch requirements for you. We have been in this industry for quite some time and this is what enables us in coping with all the client requirements. This is why we have got a competitive edge than other organizations in the industry.

Another factor that you need to consider is where the switches are being manufactured. Every single product manufactured by membrane switch manufacturers should be done in ISO9001 recognized plant. This is how you can get to know that every single product is secured. One more factor that you should take into account is how easily you are capable of getting in touch with the customer care executives. For genuine organizations, it should not be difficult to get in touch with the customer care service.

The next thing that you need to know is what kind of services will the company be able to offer. The manufacturer needs to be capable of offering multiple forms of switches for different applications. As one of the best membrane switch manufacturing company, we are capable of delivering automatic screen printing, semi-automatic printing, inspection, digital printing, and production assembly. The materials include polyester, polycarbonate, aluminum and different other forms of adhesive. This is what indicates that the organization is capable of delivering different variations and forms of switches and overlay constructions. Our team of experienced designers can ensure premium solutions for smooth operation.

Membrane Switch: The Edge You Get Over Other Switches!

A lot of people might not realize that it is the membrane switch technology which made it possible for companies to develop more convenient gadgets. One can find that computer keyboards, microwaves and similar devices work on the same technology. Likewise, if you plan to transform your business operations and production, you have to consider the above mentioned solution. Needless to say, learning more about the technology and its capabilities should help you realize its value. In this post, we will be discussing the various sides of the membrane switch. Let’s get started.

Membrane Switch – Overview

To put it simply, membrane switches use thin layers of switches or buttons. Instead of the bulky button functions, these switches are easier to control. One example is the switch panel found in microwave ovens. The flat panel or keyboard makes it easier to operate the microwave. You can easily press buttons for turning off, on, or heating. Another advantage of these switches is that they feature a very flexible design. Due to that product engineers can do different designs and functions. One can even customize the flat panel according to your needs and preferences. The design of the switch provides a more convenient way to finish tasks.

Basically, the membrane switch panel has three layers. The top layer is the access part of the keyboard. This makes up the front panel where you can see the keyboard labels. Each label corresponds to a button function. The next layer, the spacer layer, separates the top and bottom layers. It also prevents direct contact and electrical problems between the two players. The back layer features conductive stripes. These translate the command from the keyboard panel to the internal system of the device. When you touch a switch or function on the panel, you push the front and spacer layer. You also push the back layer to close the circuit.

The Edge You Get Over Other Switches:

Membrane switches offers a softer feel compared to mechanical switches. As the switch is more sensitive, users can easily change functions or shift switches. You can change operations and complete tasks without exerting much effort. The switch is also leak and water proof. This makes the technology ideal for businesses operating with harmful components in harsh environments.

Membrane switch manufacturers did not just focus on business equipment. These days, more people use assistive technology using this. The technology has been instrumental in assisting individuals with physical, cognitive, and visual disabilities. You can also find membrane switches in other devices like remote controls, air conditioners, and television. Membrane switches also have a low profile, are easy to clean, and lessen sealing difficulty.

The Present-Day Switches:

Nowadays, depending on various needs and preferences, you can find manufacturers customizing devices and other equipment with membrane technology. Talk to the product engineer for special configurations on the machine and keyboard panel. Find a manufacturer with tailoring services and you must also examine their previous works for better understanding. Suffice it to say, that membrane switches even to this date, can provide endless possibilities.

If you have any further queries then feel free to mention them in the comments section and we will be addressing them in the future posts. Till share it with your social peers and keep following this space for more related updates.

Advantages of Using Membrane Switch Panel for Medical Electronics

With the end number of UI options available these days, it is easy to forget why the membrane switch is an out of the ordinary choice for medical instrumentation. The basic advantages are still the same as they were years ago, in the time membrane switch panel became the interface of choice for a multitude of products, such as toys and games, high-end appliances, industrial controllers and automotive controls to name a few. These advantages have been improved by developments in different types of materials, processes as well as design expertise.

Membrane Switch Panel for Medical Electronics

A membrane switch panel is an electrical switch panel for turning a circuit on and off. Generally, it differs from a mechanical switch panel, which is usually made of copper as well as plastic parts: a membrane switch panel is a circuit printed on PET or ITO. The link is used for the purpose of screen printing, which is usually copper or silver or graphite filled, therefore conductive.

Membrane switch panel applications are well suited for medical electronics that are limited to a particular or small number of functions. They are portable and require a high degree of visibility. These panels are especially suitable for handheld medical applications as well as portable devices. They are lightweight, low profile, durable and easy to clean.

Here, in this blog, we have discussed seven key features as well as characteristics of membrane switch panels that contribute to the optimal design of a medical user interface.

 Graphics: One of the biggest advantages of a graphic overlay on a medical instrument is its capability to be seen in a 180° radius. Warning lights can be easily viewed from a distance at various angles. Touch screens don’t provide the same ease of signal detection as well as identification. As the top layer of the membrane switch panel, the graphic overlay has the direct interface between the product and the end-users.

Cleanliness: Of late an antimicrobial film was developed for use in typical membrane switch panel applications. It is commercially available in the market and can be screen printed with common inks. It can be used for clear window applications as well.

Shielding: Membrane switch panels provide protection against ESD i.e. electrostatic discharge. An inner layer of the switch panel assembly can take such discharges to ground. Generally, shielding can be adopted without compromising the performance of the switch panels.

Sealability: The biggest threat to any type of UI is the risk of water and/or chemical ingress into the switch cavity. Therefore, a membrane switch panel can be sealed, and that could be done sealed against various types of environments typically encountered in the industry. The sealed membrane switch panels can give a visible status indication by way of the use of low profile surface mounted LEDs.

Illumination: There are two common as well as proven methods of illuminating a membrane switch panel: LEDs and electroluminescent panels. Generally, the LED is a very effective way of illuminating — either close or at a distance. On the other hand, EL i.e. electroluminescent lamps are not interchangeable with LEDs for the purpose of lighting. This is appropriate for backlighting in low light situations.  

Tactile Feedback: Tactile feedback improves error-free data entry and can be attained with two different materials. Generally, metal dome constructions are utilized for high-reliability applications wherever a high number of actuation as well as extreme temperature cycling are expected. Metal domes are offered in various sizes, shapes, and actuation forces.

The bottom line

A sealed tactile membrane switch panel is highly dependable, affordable and proven approach to meet the demand of the medical instrumentation market. It not only offers advantages with graphics, cleanliness, sealability, shielding and illumination but also offers tactile feedback. It provides the switch panel function with less weight as well as space, at a lower cost in its counterparts. Therefore, it is essential to select the right technology for the perfect application. 

Choosing a membrane switch – How do you know it’s right?

Well, it cannot be denied that keyboards and switches have a vital role in the functions for modern-day computers and other major electronic devices. Considering the most basic sense, the switches allow the human operators in controlling electronic devices. There are different types of switches; the most common of them are mechanical. We are all familiar with the mechanical keyboards. The membrane switch, on the other hand, makes use of keys that are pressure pads comprising of symbols printed on them. Because of their designs, a membrane switch is much more compact than their mechanical counterparts.

Here are the factors to choose a membrane switch

Pressure: Membrane switches function by registering the pressure of a user’s touch. As a user, when you press a key, the electrical contact will create a direct connection present in the underlying circuit. That is when the key press is registered. Membrane switches work on different degrees of pressure sensitivity. This is why it is important to consider the right pressure to be applied. A lot of users prefer minimal pressure while others prefer stronger pressure.

Tactile Feedback: Another thing to consider while choosing a membrane switch is tactile feedback. A lot of membrane keyboards are designed to offer little to no tactile feedback. This means, there is no indication of when the key has been pressed. Membrane keyboards and switches with tactile feedback can improve the accuracy of the user while promoting a much more positive experience.

 Key Size: Of course the key size plays a vital role. As a user, you need to think about the ways in which a membrane keypad is going to be used and choose keys accordingly. Most of the mobile phones with membrane keypads have smaller keys because it reduces the overall size of the device. On the other hand, if the membrane keypad is going to be used for a larger machine, it will require larger keys.

Key Spacing: The key needs to be placed at a distance so that the user doesn’t press the wrong keys. If the keys are too close to each other, chances are, the user will make more mistakes. Also, it will take a lot of time to type. That being said, the key spacing should not be too far away that the operator is forced to bend himself/herself in unusual directions while typing. There should be a balanced space between the keys.

Water resistance: This is another important feature to keep in mind while choosing a membrane switch. Even when the keypad is installed or used in a covered location, the moisture from the air shall get on the surface and it will even settle down underneath the keys. This will damage the electrical circuits. But the good news is most of the membrane keypads are water-resistant as they are embedded into the circuitry.

These are a few things that you need to consider while choosing a membrane switch for various purposes. To know more about the kinds of membrane keyboards, visit elecflex.com.