What is the principle behind the membrane switch in a thin-film panel?

Release date:

2022-03-28

　　 Thin-film panel What is the principle of a membrane switch?

Thin-film panel

　　The membrane switch for film panels is a multi-layered (planar) type of non-locking key switch, composed of an elastic insulating material. It integrates functions such as keys, command elements, and instrument panels into a single unit. The movement of the membrane switch is achieved solely through the vertical deflection of the elastic film. Despite undergoing millions of flexing cycles, the width of the film during these movements remains extremely small—only 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters. Combined with the rational selection of materials, this design enables the film material to maintain its structural integrity over a lifespan exceeding one million cycles without any deformation. These factors collectively ensure the exceptional durability of the membrane switch.

　　The thin-film switch panels boast an attractive appearance, long service life, a simple structure, easy installation, excellent tactile feedback, and a compact footprint. As a result, they have gradually replaced certain segments of the touch switch market—from small household appliances across various industries to high-tech products—gaining significant market share in the process.

　　 Thin-film panel What is the basic structure of a thin-film switch?

　　Typically, the film switch of a common membrane panel consists of six layers of materials, arranged from the outermost to the innermost as follows: the panel, cotton adhesive, upper adhesive, isolation layer, lower adhesive, and base adhesive. Below is an explanation of each structural layer.

　　1) Panel: The panel serves as the "outer layer" of the entire membrane switch, housing the appropriate keys. With its diverse range of colors, patterns, and key appearances, it provides the decorative element essential to the overall design of the membrane switch. A key function of the panel layer is to accommodate logos and key labels; therefore, the selected materials must exhibit properties such as transparency, excellent ink adhesion, high elasticity, and resistance to folding.

　　2) Top and Bottom Circuits: The top and bottom circuits are the electrical components of the membrane switch, serving as the "on" and "off" elements of the switch. Their performance directly influences the overall electrical functionality of the switch, primarily achieved by printing conductive materials onto the film. These circuits are responsible for completing the electrical path required to close the switch. Typically, their thickness ranges between 0.05 and 0.175 millimeters, with 0.125 mm PET being a common choice.

　　3) Cotton adhesive, isolation layer, and base: These three-layered structures all utilize double-sided adhesive materials. Depending on their specific positions within the switch assembly, they are referred to by different names. Each of the three layers of double-sided adhesive varies in thickness according to its respective position. This variation primarily depends on the overall thickness of the switch and the actuation force required for the key mechanism.

　　 Thin-film panel What is the working principle of a thin-film switch?

　　The basic working principle of the membrane switch in a thin-film panel is as follows: When the panel is not pressed, the membrane switch remains in its normal state, with the upper and lower contacts separated and the insulating layer isolating the two circuits. Once the panel is pressed, the contact point on the upper circuit deforms downward, re-establishing contact with the lower circuit and completing the electrical connection. This action sends a signal to the external connecting device (the substrate), enabling the corresponding function to be executed. After the finger is released, the upper circuit contact rebounds, breaking the electrical connection and triggering the circuit's signaling mechanism.

 

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What is the structure of a thin-film panel?

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