Thin-Film Panel Switches: An Introduction to the Classification of Film Switches
Release date:
Www.zdxtt.com
2021-03-16
Thin-film switch The classification
Thin-film switches can be classified into two main categories based on either the application environment or the circuit substrate. Classified by environment, they are divided into commercial thin-film switches and military-grade thin-film panel switches. When categorized by circuit substrate—that is, by the method of circuit formation—they can be further divided into two types: conductive ink-printed circuits and copper-clad laminate etched circuits.

(1) Commercial Film Switch
The assessment criteria for high, low temperatures, constant damp-heat conditions, and temperature variations of the thin-film panel switches as specified in "Technical Specifications for Thin-Film Keyboards" are as follows:
High Temperature: (55 +/- 2)°C (72 h)
Low temperature: (-40 ± 3)°C (16 hours)
Constantly maintained heat and humidity: (40 ± 2)°C with relative humidity at 96% ± (2–3)%, lasting for 96 hours.
Temperature variation: -40°C to 50°C (after 5 cycles of testing, recovery for 2 hours under normal atmospheric conditions).
Any switch that meets these assessment criteria and possesses the typical functions of a membrane switch can generally be referred to as a commercial membrane switch. Thin-film panel switch A common and distinctive product in China.
Its panel layer typically uses a PC or PET film as the base material, while the circuit substrate is made of conductive silver paste or a mixed conductive silver-carbon paste. The carrier for the conductive printing material is also PET film. Considering both the application environment and the need to reduce manufacturing costs, its isolation layer usually employs an inexpensive PVC film.
(2) Military Membrane Switch
The key difference lies in their respective operating environments: military-grade switches are designed for significantly harsher conditions. In terms of ambient temperature alone, they must not only withstand a range of -54°C to 70°C but also endure three cycles of temperature shock between -55°C and 100°C. Moreover, according to international military standards, the high-temperature test specifies an operational temperature of up to 125°C, with a storage temperature of 150°C under extreme conditions. Clearly, commercial membrane switches are unsuitable for deployment in such demanding military environments.
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