| Image | Part Number | Description / PDF | Quantity | Rfq |
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Adafruit |
ROUND FORCE-SENSITIVE RESISTOR |
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Touch sensors are input devices that detect and record physical contact or proximity through electrical, optical, or mechanical signals. They convert tactile interactions into digital data, enabling human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in modern electronics. Their significance spans consumer electronics, industrial automation, automotive systems, and medical devices, driving innovations in user experience and system responsiveness.
| Type | Functional Characteristics | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitive Touch | Measures changes in capacitance when a conductive object approaches | Smartphones, tablets, touchpads |
| Resistive Touch | Registers pressure through contact between resistive layers | ATMs, industrial control panels |
| Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) | Uses ultrasonic waves disrupted by touch contact | Public kiosks, medical displays |
| Infrared Touch | Grid of IR LEDs and photodetectors interrupted by touch | Digital signage, large-format displays |
| Optical Imaging | Camera-based detection of touch-induced light changes | Interactive whiteboards, gaming consoles |
Typical touch sensors consist of: - Sensing Layer: Conductive materials (e.g., ITO for capacitive) arranged in electrode grids - Substrate: Glass or polymer base providing mechanical support - Sensor Array: Matrix of individual sensing elements (pixels) - Controller IC: Converts analog signals to digital coordinates - Protective Coating: Scratch-resistant layer (e.g., Gorilla Glass) Flexible sensors use printed electronics on polymer films for bendable applications.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | Minimum detectable touch force (0.1-5N) | Determines usability in precision applications |
| Resolution | Position accuracy (0.1-2mm) | Affects interface responsiveness |
| Response Time | Signal processing latency (1-10ms) | Critical for real-time control systems |
| Transparency | Light transmission rate (85-98%) | Essential for display integration |
| Environmental Tolerance | Operating temperature (-20 C to 85 C), humidity resistance | Dictates deployment conditions |
| Manufacturer | Representative Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Synaptics | ClearPad S Series | Capacitive sensing with wet finger tracking |
| Microchip Technology | maXTouch T | Low-power capacitive controllers |
| STMicroelectronics | STMPE Series | Resistive/capacitive hybrid solutions |
| Tyco Electronics | Capacitive Touch Sensors | Automotive-grade durability |
| Elo Touch Solutions | ProTouch 5823MT | SAW technology for 20-point multitouch |
Key considerations: - Application Type: Capacitive for consumer devices, resistive for industrial environments - Environmental Conditions: SAW for dusty environments, infrared for large surfaces - Cost Constraints: Resistive solutions offer lower BOM costs - Accuracy Requirements: Optical for sub-millimeter precision - Power Budget: Capacitive sensors typically consume less standby power
Future directions include: - Flexible Sensors: Graphene-based materials enabling foldable displays (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Z Fold) - 3D Touch: Force-sensitive layers for pressure-aware interfaces - Transparent Electronics: Metal mesh technologies achieving >95% transparency - AI Integration: Machine learning algorithms for gesture recognition (Apple ProMotion) - Energy Harvesting: Self-powered sensors using piezoelectric effects Market growth projected at 12.3% CAGR through 2030, driven by automotive HMI and IoT applications.