Posted to News on 17th Oct 2024, 15:00
Hybrid touch interface solutions engineered for challenging environments
In industrial control applications, interfaces and control functions must be designed to withstand harsh conditions where traditional interfaces may not be suitable. Zytronic has taken its projected capacitive (PCAP) touch technology capabilities to the next phase to provide designers with a selection of hybrid touch interface options on one sensor design, keeping these environments in mind.
This offers a tailored solution design with hybrid features resilient to common industrial challenges such as dust, dirt and corrosive liquids.
This hybrid touch interface solution is particularly beneficial for applications where regular input device replacement is inconvenient and costly. For instance, while initially effective, silicone keyboards are sealed from the environment, but they do not offer long-term resilience as they tend to degrade with use, and their markings are prone to rubbing off.
Even if the keyboard is made from durable materials like stainless steel, it can be susceptible to damage over time. A hybrid touch interface solution with full keyboard and mousepad functions eradicates these issues. As the keyboard and function keys have no moving parts, they are robust against liquid spillages and dirt on the surface and are easy to clean and disinfect.
All functions on a Zytronic hybrid touch interface solution are driven by one PCAP sensor and one proprietary ZXY500 PCAP controller, which offers rapid, multi-touch detection. The glass sensor shape, colour and layout are fully customisable. The controller enables the use of various software systems behind the control interface, with the capability to address each chosen hybrid control element individually alongside the interactive touchscreen if required. The controller can also interface with remote peripheral equipment. Indeed, there is also the capability to add an NFC card reader for secure login and a wireless phone charging zone.
Machined dimples, sliders and dials can be incorporated on the glass surface of the hybrid touch interface, which can be within the interactive display area or outside. These features are particularly beneficial for guiding the user during interaction by giving a tactile feel. An IP67-sealed mechanical emergency stop button or joystick can also be integrated seamlessly within the sensor's surface to provide physical feedback. Both input devices use the invisible connections within the PCAP sensor for power and data.
On a ship's bridge, for instance, control panels must be impervious to water and corrosion resistant. A Zytronic hybrid control touch interface solution, with sealed virtual buttons integrated into the design that could include machined grooves and dimples, would more than meet these requirements, providing a functional and visually appealing control interface suitable for maritime conditions.
Zytronic's hybrid touch control interface solutions are not just a demonstration of the company's capabilities; they are a functional interface tailored for environments that demand durability, even while users wear gloves. These hybrid designs present a compelling solution for businesses struggling with the challenges posed by hostile environments. Their ability to be sealed against the harshest of elements, coupled with the software customisation offered by the ZXY500 PCAP controller, makes them an invaluable asset in any industrial setting where high reliability is non-negotiable.
