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!
