Capacitive sensing technology

Cost-saving solution for replacing electromechanical components for switches, rotary and linear control touch switch / sensor solutions.

The automotive and home appliances sectors are moving towards the replacement of electro-mechanical switches and buttons by touch-sensitive buttons thanks to its advantages in terms of cost, ease of assembly and freedom of shaping tactile controls to intuitive user interaction.

Car designers have now the opportunity to eliminate components count and design highly styled thin, light-weight structures HMI control surfaces.

We can provide printed touch controls where the presence of a conductive object or finger creates a capacitance change which is converted into a switch activation in the customer application.

Piher, manufacturer of capacitive touch controls, can build this technology can  in several materials or substrates such as AG nanoparticle conductive inks, conductive polymer PEDOT, carbon and dielectric layers that allows flexibility, bendability  and other mechanical properties to be included in a wide range of flat or 3D surfaces.

By using a translucent substrate, our films and touch sensors allow low cost, low power, low weight and low profile backlit designs. (i.e. led light goes through the substrate).

Benefits of Piher’s capacitive sensors:

− Low cost (cheaper, reduction of component count, no whires, easier assembly).

− Energy-efficient (capacitive sensing wakes up the electronics and then it is ready for operation).

− Low weight (traditional PCB, buttons and wiring not needed anymore).

− Low profile.

− Long life.

− Low profile.

− High sensitivity.

− Translucent ready for back-lit applications.

− Stable and robust (no moving parts to wear, circuitry can be escapsulated).

− Shape design freedom and curved surfaces sensors.

− High volume manufacturing capability and flexibility.

Markets / typical applications:

− Automotive.

− Home & building automation.

− Appliances (whitegoods).