As touch screen solutions have become more prevalent especially with the use of smartphones, capacitive switches have also become a very popular interface solution. A capacitive switch is a type of touch controlled electrical switch that operates by measuring change in capacitance. It works in the same way as a smartphone with a capacitive touch screen. Essentially, a small electrical charge is transferred from your body to the switch when the surface is touched, which causes a change in capacitance. The switch detects the change in capacitance and responds with the appropriate command.
Upon touching a capacitive switch, this electrical charge disturbs the switch’s own electrical charge; thus, causing a change in capacitance. Because of this change, the switch can identify when and where the touch occurred.
Capacitive Switch Construction:
A capacitive switch consists of three main layers, the graphic overlay, the circuit, and the backer:
Benefits of Using Capacitive Switches: