TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS

The selection of different touch technologies, modern surface finishes and operating concepts suggest that at first glance a simple choice of technological solution approach for numerous product developments.

However, in many projects supported by Interelectronix , it has been shown that after a precise analysis of the area of application, the functionalities, the required quality and durability as well as the actual requirements for usability and ergonomics, the touch technology originally required by the client was not effective.

When determining a technology (e.g. resistive or capacitive), clients often only make an ad hoc decision regarding the type of touch detection without precisely analyzing or knowing the multiple influencing factors, modes of action and requirements.

However, when selecting the appropriate touch technology, numerous technical and functional criteria must be analyzed and determined, taking into account the desired operating concept and the future area of application:

• What environmental conditions is a touch system exposed to?
• Does a system have to be water or dust resistant?
• Is it subject to extreme sunlight or heat?
• Is it subject to vandalism or strong shocks?
• Should the touch system be chemically resistant, scratch-resistant or resistant to UV radiation?
• Which materials are suitable and which standards must be observed?
• Which touch sensor, response time and controller are suitable?
• Which operating concept meets the expectations of the market?
• What ease of use does the functionalities provide?
• In which overall system will the touch be integrated and is EMC relevant?
• Does the touch system need to be quick and easy to replace?
• What are the requirements of production?
• How can economic advantages be achieved in terms of materials and production?

Even these few questions show that numerous and often interdipending tasks arise for the determination of the appropriate technology. Strictly speaking, the question of the right technology is a question of the right technology concept.

This is not a trivial task, but a challenge for specialists with many years of experience in all technologies, comprehensive knowledge of materials and proven competence in the development of ergonomic operating concepts. Consequently, the right tasks for Interelectronix.