Membrane switch technology advantages
The simple, low-profile switch panel fabrication offers a custom interface at an economical price point. Other benefits consist of:
- Long life
- Easy cleaning
- Low profile and tactile response options
- Resistance to moisture, chemicals, abrasion
- Easier integration or retrofit with existing controllers
Membrane switch design options
A wide range of cost-effective design options make membrane switches an ideal choice for a variety of applications. Options include:
- Display windows
- Embossed or re-legendable overlay
- Multiple overlay versions, single switch design
- ESD/EMI shielding
- Custom backlighting
- Rigid subpanel or printed circuit board (PCB), which doubles as subpanel
Construction & specifications
A membrane switch is a micro-motion, momentary contact, flexible circuit with a printed graphic overlay. These interfaces are normally screen-printed on thin polyester using silver or carbon conductive ink. Metal domes are integrated to provide tactile feedback.
Specifications | Typical values |
---|---|
Actuation force | Non-tactile: 85g to 285g, tactile: 100g to 700g |
Switch height | Non-tactile: 0.007" to 0.011", tactile: 0.012" to 0.040" |
Panel thickness | 0.025" to 0.035" |
Life cycle | 1,000,000 actuations |
Operating voltage | 1VDC min. 30VDC max. 15 VRMS max. |
Operating current | 250 mW maximum |
Closed circuit resistance | 100 ohms maximum |
Open circuit resistance | 10 Mohms minimum |
Contact disturbance time | 20 ms maximum |
Capacitance | <500 pF |
Static | 10k VDC minimum |
Isolation | 1k VDC for 1 second |
Dielectric ink withstand | 1kVDC between adjacent traces |
Dielectric substrate material | 11kVDC/per mil in thickness |
Operational temperature | -30C to +65C |
Storage temperature | -40C to +80C |
Moisture | 5% to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing. |
EMI/RFI shielding | Available |