Touch Sensors

A touch sensor is a type of device that captures and records physical touch or embrace on a device and/or object. It enables a device or object to detect touch or near proximity, typically by a human user or operator. Touch sensing input devices offer numerous possibilities for novel interaction techniques and it reliably replaces mechanical buttons and switches to eliminate mechanical wear and tear. These can be configured into simple sliders, rotary wheels, or touch pads for intuitive user interfaces.

A touch sensor primarily works when an object or individual gets in physical contact with it. Touch sensors are also called as tactile sensors and are sensitive to touch, force or pressure. It can be implemented using Capacitive or Resistive sensing technology.

Capacitive sensing is a technology based on capacitive coupling that can detect and measure anything that is conductive or has a dielectric difference from air. Capacitive touch screens distinguish and sense specific touch location based on the electrical impulses in a human body, typically the fingertip. This enables capacitive touch screens to not require any actual force to be applied to the screen’s surface.

Capacitive touch screen technology is a popular and durable technology that is used in a wide range of applications. Capacitive touchscreens are very clear, offering up to 90 percent transparency. Due to its higher clarity than resistive technology it is used in smartphones.