The document discusses advancements in human-machine interface (HMI) technologies, comparing old and new generation technologies while emphasizing the benefits of capacitive touch and smart devices. It highlights key material properties, design considerations, and cost-effective options that improve reliability and user experience. The presentation concludes by encouraging the use of modern technology to customize and enhance product interactions.

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From Mechanical HMIs to Touch
Old vs New Technology
08.30.18

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Agenda
 “Old” vs “New” Generation HMI Technologies
 When to use FPC (Polyimide)
 Capacitive Touch & Touchscreens
 Switch from Membrane Switch to Capacitive Touch
 How to Nextgen your SMART HMI Device

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“Old” vs “New” Generation HMI Technologies

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“Old” Generation HMI Technologies
 1980’s Technologies
– Membrane Switches
– PCB Mounted Switches
– Elastomeric Keypads
– Hard Plastic Keycaps
– Flexible Circuits
– EL Backlight
 Technologies are still common today.
 High reliability products when designed right.

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“New” Generation HMI Technologies
 Breakthroughs In Materials
– Hard Coated Overlay Films
– Light Guide Films (LGF)
– Copper On Polyimide/Kapton
– Shielding Designs
– Optical Bonding Adhesives
– Touchscreens, PCAP, Resistive

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“New” Generation HMI Technologies (continued)
 Cost Reductions Of Legacy Technologies
 Embedded Systems
– Microcontrollers
– Firmware
– SMART Devices

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When to use FPC (Polyimide)

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When To Use FPC (Polyimide)
 Ultra High Reliability Devices
– Circuit layout and design is vital
 Fine Trace Widths
– Footprint reduction, tail exit location
 Surface Mount Components
– Small package LEDs, ICs
 Minimal Cost Impact for Small Devices
– ~20 in2 or less
 Excellent for Capacitive Touch
Case Study: 15x reduction in
measured circuit measured
resistance 31 Ω vs 2 Ω

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Capacitive Touch & Touchscreens

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Capacitive Touch Switches
 Sleek, Glossy Interface
 No Mechanical or Moving Parts
– Switches designed of clear conductive ink or copper traces

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Capacitive Touch Switches (continued)
 Do not behave as a normally open switch
– Must be paired with microcontroller
 Uniform backlighting options
 Digital control of switch function and sensitivity
Example of capacitive
touch switch
X
X
X
X
X
Similar to membrane
switches, but with the
domes removed

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Material Properties - Capacitive Touch
 The dielectric constant defines key sensitivity.
 The higher the dielectric constant of the material, known as “k”, the higher the
key sensitivity.
– (ex. the easier it is to trigger the switch)

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Material Properties - Capacitive Touch (continued)
 Overlay thickness and application drive material selection
 Select the right material for the application
– Wipe downs
– Harsh chemicals
 Perform abrasion testing
Hard coated Acrylic and
Tempered Glass are hardest

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Switch from Membrane Switch to Capacitive Touch

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Move from Membrane Switch to Capacitive Touch Switch
 Elimination of normally open dome
switches
 Addition of firmware and
microcontroller
 Inexpensive off the shelf
components
PC GUI Test
Interface
Customer
Controller
Minimal Cost Impact In Switch From Membrane Switch To Capacitive Touch

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Touchscreens
 Resistive Touch
– Two conductive flexible sheets with an air gap
– Poor response to light touch
– 5 wire design is most common
 Projected Capacitive Touch (PCAP)
– Glass overlay with transparent conductive coating
– Change in capacitance correlates to switch closure at X-Y locale
– Some designs have the microcontroller embedded on the flex tail

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Touchscreens (continued)
 Operational Considerations
– COTS vs Custom
– Resolution/Size
– Multitouch
– Gloves
– Moisture

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How to Nextgen your SMART HMI Device

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How to Nextgen your SMART HMI Device
 Understand your existing design
 Review technology examples
 Requirements matrix
– Must have vs Nice to have
 Qualification requirements
 Have a plan for your firmware
* Embedded System Requirements Checklist

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Summary
 Current HMI technologies offer high reliability solutions, with sleek
features that are truly customizable.
 Use today’s technology to guide the user through the experience.
 Multiple cost effective resistive or capacitive touch options exist for
your project.

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Our Products
Custom Battery Packs Flex & Rigid-Flex PCB’s High Reliability SMART HMIs
RF Product Solutions Cable Assemblies Printed Circuit Boards

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Q&A
 Questions?
– Enter any questions you may have
in the Control Panel
– If we don’t have time to get to it, we
will reply via email

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Thank You
Check out our website at www.epectec.com.
For more information email sales@epectec.com.
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