Monday 24 June 2019

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. 

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