Exploring The Applications Of Membrane Keypads And Membrane Switches

By Author: Ton Sign
Total Articles: 9
Comment this article

A membrane switch can be defined as a low profile, flexible momentary switch device which is completely customizable. These kinds of switches are used extensively in sectors such as industry, communications, and medical instrumentation among others, and it is their ability to be customized which has greatly contributed to their widespread use. A keypad membrane is a kind of computer keyboard whose keys are not separate moving parts like in ordinary computers but rather they are pressure pads which only have outlines and symbols printed on a flexible surface.

The benefit of using a membrane switch as compared to other types of switches is that it provides the highest level of integration, execution, and reliability - all very important qualities in today’s world which requires high precision switches to run sensitive and advanced electronic devices. Since different types of equipment require varying levels of precision, it is today quite common to find membrane switches manufactures working hand in hand with clients to come up with switches that can optimally satisfy the different needs of the end-users. A good example ...
... of this kind of cooperation between a client and a manufacturer is in the production of a keypad membrane with tactile feedback capability which is otherwise not present in these kinds of keypads.

The keypad membrane design has some advantages over ordinary keypads in that they are cheaper to produce and hence they are more affordable. Further, because there are no spaces between individual keys, these keypads can withstand the accumulation of dust and dirt much better and are therefore very suitable for use in areas where there is much exposure to the elements such as the outdoors as well as factory settings. However, due to the lack of tactile feedback they are best suited for systems which require only a few keys, and this stems from the fact that most people have difficulty using them.

A membrane switch can be back-lighted using light emitting diodes, optical fiber, or electroluminescent lamps, and all these are aimed at making it easier to visualize the switches during operation. Some of the most common equipment on which you can find a membrane switch are microwave panels, air-conditioner panels, and TV remote controls among others. The main advantages of using these kinds of switches are that they are easy to clean, they can be sealed, and they maintain a low profile. Indeed, a keypad membrane forms the basis of the modern PC keyboard although in this case the membrane is covered with an array of dome switches which are responsible for giving the positive feedback.

For more information about membrane switch please move on http://www.sigma6electronics.com/