As an alternative to mechanical switches, membrane switches are lightweight and extremely cleanable. They are also ideal for medical devices, aircraft solutions, and consumer products. Because of their low-profile design, membrane switches are easy to clean and are RoHS-compliant. Below we’ll discuss some of the uses of membrane switches. The advantages of using membrane switches are as follows:
Tactile feedback enhances error-free data entry
Increasing user comfort is an important aspect of ensuring error-free data entry, and the addition of tactile feedback enhances this experience. In order to achieve this, tactile membrane switches are designed with four quadrants separated by about 3 mm. These electrode pads are attached to thin PZT chips located at the root of each finger. The user will experience a satisfying clicking sound when a key is triggered.
Cost-effective
There are many cost-effective uses for membrane switches. In high-risk environments, they can be used to shield electronics from electrostatic discharge and unwanted electromagnetic frequencies. The membrane switch’s inner layer can take discharges to ground. Double-sided polymer circuitry minimizes the footprint of the switch circuit while providing EMI/RFI protection. Shielding properties can be enhanced with printed shield layers. These layers can be tailored to a particular application to provide optimal shielding effects.
Some common features of membrane switches include UV hard coats, selective textures, X-Y matrix pinouts, indicator lighting, backlighting, and precision cutting and embossing. The electrical contacts are rated to carry up to 100mA. The membrane switch’s closed-loop resistance should be less than 1.0 watts and 100 ohms. Typical applications for membrane switches include industrial controls, medical equipment, and consumer products.
Easy to clean
Cleaning a membrane switch is easy. It can be done using a paintbrush or an old toothbrush. Use soft bristles to avoid abrasion and wipe clean the membrane switch from end to end. Always keep in mind not to soak the switch or you may damage it. Never soak a membrane switch as this could result in moisture under PSA and will eventually lead to failure. Make sure to dry the membrane switch thoroughly before storing it.
Some membrane switches are also UV and moisture-resistant. They may have conductive inks, graphic inks, metallic domes, or EMF screens. Membrane switches are generally thin and suitable for small form-factor equipment. For best performance, select a membrane switch that is easy to clean and maintain. Clean your membrane switch after every use for optimal performance. To ensure the durability of your membrane switch, follow the guidelines in your design guide.
RoHS-compliant
While there are many different benefits to using RoHS-compliant membrane switches, the primary advantage is the reduced risk of environmental contamination. Because of this, manufacturers can use the same components in multiple applications, including industrial controls, medical devices, and home appliances. RoHS-compliant membrane switches also follow strict environmental policies and are composed of materials that are safe for the environment. When choosing the right membrane switches, consider their functionality, aesthetics, and materials.
When sourcing membrane switches, look for suppliers that are RoHS compliant. These suppliers will know about alternatives to restricted substances and materials and will avoid non-compliant processes. While membrane switches typically contain no restricted substances in their basic building blocks, they may contain lead or cadmium in the connectors or in the flame-retardant cover coats. RoHS-compliant membrane switches will be marked with a logo or label on their packaging.
Durable
A membrane switch is a type of electronic device that functions by sensing electric signals in a fluid. These devices have a low operating voltage and current, and they are highly resistant to electrostatic discharges and other electromagnetic fields. As a result, membrane switches often include an ESD/EMF shield. The ESD/EMF shield is made from a thin polyester layer containing conductive inks. It can be grounded to a metal enclosure or backer, or to the circuit’s tail.
The circuit tail of a membrane switch connects the device to the control unit. It is a flat ribbon with conductive tracks printed on a polyester strip. The circuit tail ends with a standard connector. Depending on the model, the circuit tail can have a plain header, a latching header, or solder tabs. A ZIF-style circuit tail differs from a plain header by the force applied between the terminals of the control unit. It is used when the control unit’s terminals are weak or fragile.
