Membrane switch

Membrane Switch

A Membrane Switch is a type of electrical switch for turning a circuit on and off. It differs from a mechanical switch, which is usually made of copper and plastic parts: a membrane switch is a circuit printed on Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or Indium tin oxide (ITO). The ink used for screen printing is usually copper / silver / graphite filled and therefore conductive.

Construction

The construction of a membrane switch starts with a polyester layer. On this layer, a conductive ink is used to print the circuit. The circuit is then covered by a second layer of polyester, which insulates the circuit and provides durability. The switch is activated when the top layer is pressed down, causing the conductive material to touch the lower circuit, closing the circuit.

Types of Membrane Switches

There are several types of membrane switches, including non-tactile, tactile, and capacitive.

• Non-tactile membrane switches do not provide physical feedback when pressed. Instead, they may provide visual or auditory feedback.
• Tactile membrane switches have a physical bump or snap feature that provides feedback to the user when the switch is activated.
• Capacitive membrane switches use the human body's natural capacitance to detect when and where the user's finger is touching the switch.

Applications

Membrane switches are used in a variety of applications, including industrial controls, medical equipment, telecommunication apparatus, household appliances, and more. They are popular due to their durability, ease of customization, and sleek, modern look.

See Also

• Electrical Switch
• Polyethylene terephthalate
• Indium tin oxide