Projected capacitive touchscreens
10 September 2003
Electronics Technology
Surveillance
Zytronic is a specialist manufacturer of touchscreens, optical filters to enhance the performance of electronic displays, and transparent composites. The company's Zytouch touchscreen or touch sensor is based on projected capacitive technology that allows the device to sense through a protective screen in front of the display.
The touchscreen comprises a laminated glass sensor, which encompasses the active medium, and a control card which connects to the communications port of the computer. The electronic controls effectively divide the screen into pixel-sized sensing cells, using microfine wires that are not visible on a powered display. These wires are connected to a controller board, and an oscillation frequency is established for each wire. Touching the glass causes a change in the frequency of the wires at that particular point, the position of which is calculated and identified by the controller.
Unlike other capacitive systems where the operator touches the actual conducting surface of the sensing panel, the active component of the Zytouch sensor can be embedded up to 25 mm from the touch surface ensuring long product life and stability.
The driver software allows the touchscreen to interface with the host computer's operating system by emulating the behaviour of a computer 'mouse' and translates taps on the touchscreen surface into mouse clicks.
The Zytouch touchscreen is proven to meet today's demanding requirements for ATMs, web phones, ticket machines, medical displays, industrial displays, pay-at-the-pump gas machines, and interactive kiosk systems. The touchscreen is durable, dependable, and can be hermetically sealed; its construction protects against damage caused by moisture, heat and even vandalism. Power requirements are typically 5 mA at 4 to 10 V, which is provided by an RS232 port, USB or an external source. Temperature range is -40 to +70°C, humidity of 0 to 90% - and unaffected by water droplets. Speed of response is 13 ms through 4 mm thick glass.
The touchscreen can be supplied with the options of anti-glare or anti-reflection coatings, thermal toughening or chemical strengthening and privacy or contrast enhancement filters.
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