|
Hakkında:
|
Membrane switches are a type of human-machine interface
characterized by being constructed from several layers of plastic films
or other flexible materials. Conductive materials and graphic inks are
printed or laminated onto the surface of these plastic films. They
function by temporarily closing or opening an electric circuit. The
compact and efficient construction of membrane switches makes them
suitable for a vast array of applications such as household appliances
and industrial equipment interfaces.
Membrane switches have been around for about five decades. In the early
1970s, the first membrane keypads were introduced. They were made up of
polycarbonate plastic films printed with copper or silver infused ink
creating the electronic circuit. These were composed of two conductive
layers with one spacer in between. The products were inexpensive but
threatened by problems such as degradation and cracking of the
polycarbonate film and missing tactile feedback.
The next iteration solved the durability and quality-of-life issue by
changing the plastic film into polyester and adding metal domes into
the design. However, membrane switches have not been readily adopted
since, during that time, the huge personal computer market was
dominated by mechanical keyboards. Mechanical keyboards were preferred
due to their more tactile feedback.
Come the 1990s, thinner keyboard keys and membrane switches were used
to make more compact and quieter keyboards. By that time, smaller
electronic devices were the future of technology. The emergence of
appliances and equipment with small electronic components further
elevated the need for membrane switches.
Today, the global [url=http://www.hrp-keypad.com/membrane-switch/]
membrane switch[/url] market has a market size of approximately $4.2
billion in 2015 and is expected to grow to $13 billion by 2025.
Membrane switches are extensively used in industrial, medical, and
consumer goods applications.
|