News and Information from Nelson Miller

Contrast Ratio vs Aspect Ratio: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for a display, you may come across the terms "contrast ratio" and "aspect ratio." They are technical specifications for displays. From computer monitors and TVs to touchscreens and human machine interfaces (HMIs), most displays have a contrast ratio and...

Membrane Switches: What Is Fiber Optic Backlighting?

Membrane Switches: What Is Fiber Optic Backlighting?

Membrane switches often feature fiber optic backlighting. It's found in the rear of a membrane switch. During use, fiber optic backlight will distribute light through the overlay, resulting in uniform brightness. What is fiber optic backlighting in membrane switches...

6 Facts About Resistive Touchscreens

6 Facts About Resistive Touchscreens

Have you heard of resistive touchscreens? Like all touchscreens, they are devices that support touch commands. Resistive touchscreens simply feature multiple layers of electrically resistive material with printed electrodes. Here are six facts about resistive...

An Introduction to Vacuum-Fluorescent Displays (VFDs)

An Introduction to Vacuum-Fluorescent Displays (VFDs)

Not all displays are powered by liquid-crystal display (LCD) technology. While LCD is, in fact, the most common display technology, there are other display technologies available. Vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), for instance, is an alternative display technology....

The Ultimate Guide to Touch Switches

The Ultimate Guide to Touch Switches

Switches are commonly used in keypads, human machine interfaces (HMIs) and other electronic devices. They are designed to control a circuit. Interacting with a switch will open or close a circuit, for instance. While some switches use a mechanical method of operation,...

6 Little-Known Benefits of LCDs

6 Little-Known Benefits of LCDs

Liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) are undoubtedly popular. They are used in countless consumer and commercial display applications. Aside from being popular, though, LCDs offer other benefits. Here are six benefits of LCDs, some of which may surprise you. #1) No Refresh...

What Is a Bezel? Here’s What You Should Know

What Is a Bezel? Here’s What You Should Know

When researching the different parts of a display, you may encounter bezels. TVs, computer monitors, smartphones and other displays often feature a bezel. Displays contain more than just a pixel layer and a backlighting layer; most of them contain a bezel. While the...

Are LCDs the Same as LED Displays?

Are LCDs the Same as LED Displays?

When researching display technologies, you may come across liquid-crystal display (LCD) and light-emitting diode (LED). From computer monitors and TVs to mobile handsets and smart appliances, they are used to power countless display devices. Because of their similar...

What Are Laminated Layers in Membrane Switches?

What Are Laminated Layers in Membrane Switches?

When researching membrane switches, you'll probably encounter laminated layers. There are different types of membrane switches. Some of them feature different types of circuits, materials, backlighting and other specifications than others. Nonetheless, all membrane...

Tips on Using a Capacitive Touchscreen

Tips on Using a Capacitive Touchscreen

Capacitive has become the world's leading touchscreen technology. More touchscreen devices use capacitive technology than any other type of touchscreen technology. As the name suggests, it involves the use of capacitance. Capacitive technology measures changes in...

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Touchscreen

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Touchscreen

If you're planning to buy one or more touchscreens for your business, you'll need to choose the right type. Touchscreens are devices that support touch commands. You don't have to use a keyboard and mouse to control them. Rather, you can control them by touching or...

What Are Dome Arrays?

What Are Dome Arrays?

Dome arrays have become increasingly popular in recent years. You can find them on membrane switches, keypads and even printed circuit boards. For a better understanding of dome arrays and how they work, keep reading. Overview of Dome Arrays Dome arrays are...

The ABCs of Membrane Switches

The ABCs of Membrane Switches

When shopping for membrane switches, you may come across some otherwise unfamiliar terms. Membrane switches are electrical switches that, like other switches, control a circuit. The difference is that traditional switches are made of a rigid material, whereas membrane...

What Are Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Touchscreens Made Of?

What Are Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Touchscreens Made Of?

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) touchscreens are on the rise. You can find them in restaurants, retail stores, amusement parks, banks and more. Like all touchscreens, SAW touchscreens are able to detect and respond to touch commands. While other types of touchscreens rely...

What Are Printed Electronics?

What Are Printed Electronics?

Have you heard of printed electronics? When most people hear the term “printing,” they envision computer printers that distribute ink onto paper. In addition to printed paper, though, there are printed electronics. Printed electronics have become increasingly popular...

A Crash Course on Capacitive Switches and How They Work

A Crash Course on Capacitive Switches and How They Work

Capacitive switches have become a popular alternative to mechanical switches. Touching them will open or close a circuit. While mechanical switches are designed to control a circuit as well, they aren’t the same as capacitive switches. Capacitive switches are touch...

Frequently Asked Questions About UV Keypads

Frequently Asked Questions About UV Keypads

When shopping for keypads, you may encounter ultraviolet (UV) keypads. They are commonly used in industrial controls, remotes, laboratory equipment, medical devices, laptop keyboards and more. Like all keypads, UV keypads allow you to control a machine or device by...

Passive vs Active Stylus: What’s the Difference?

Passive vs Active Stylus: What’s the Difference?

Styluses are commonly used with touchscreens. As you may know, they are pen-shaped input devices. You can touch a stylus against the display interface of a touchscreen to perform a touch command. While there are many different types of styluses, however, most of them...

Are SAW Touchscreens Long-Lasting

Are SAW Touchscreens Long-Lasting

If you're considering buying a surface acoustic wave (SAW) touchscreen, you might wonder whether they are long-lasting. Some touchscreens last longer than others. They are better protected against premature wear and tear, resulting in a longer usable life. And with...

Fiber Optic Backlighting: Everything You Need to Know

Fiber Optic Backlighting: Everything You Need to Know

Backlighting is an essential part of many devices. From touchscreens and computer monitors to membrane switches, industrial machinery interfaces and more, it consists of a light-producing system. There are different types of backlighting, however. Fiber optic, for...

How Do Capacitive Switches Work?

How Do Capacitive Switches Work?

Ever wonder how capacitive switches work? Even if you've used them, you may not be familiar with their underlying mechanics. Like all switches, capacitive switches are designed to control a circuit. You can touch them to open or close a circuit, such as the circuit to...

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Resistive Touchscreen

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Resistive Touchscreen

Resistive touchscreens are a popular alternative to capacitive touchscreens. They are able to detect and respond to touch commands -- just like all touchscreens. Resistive touchscreens, however, feature a unique design consisting of multiple electrically resistive...

How to Choose Light Guides: What You Should Know

How to Choose Light Guides: What You Should Know

For better light distribution -- as well as increased energy efficiency -- you should consider adding light guides to your device. Light guides are commonly used with keypads, switches, dome arrays, human machine interfaces (HMIs) and other devices. They are designed...

What Are Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Keyboards?

What Are Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Keyboards?

When researching keyboard technologies, you may come across light-emitting diode (LED). LED keyboards are built into many laptops, and they are sold separately as external peripherals. While available in the same key layouts as other keyboards, LED keyboards stan out...

The Pros and Cons of In-Plane Switching (IPS) Displays

The Pros and Cons of In-Plane Switching (IPS) Displays

In-plane switching (IPS) displays are on the rise. IPS displays use a specific type liquid-crystal display (LCD) technology in which the liquid pixels are aligned parallel to the glass panels in front of and behind them. When exposed to an electrical field, the liquid...

5 Facts About Ultra-Thin Keypads

5 Facts About Ultra-Thin Keypads

Have you heard of ultra-thin keypads? Like all keypads, they consist of multiple buttons, each of which controls a switch. Ultra-thin keypads are simply characterized by their thin design. They are thinner than other types of keypads. With their thin design, they are...

CRT vs LCD Touchscreens

CRT vs LCD Touchscreens

Touchscreens are often classified by their display technology. Whether it's a smartphone, computer monitor, machine interface, etc., all touchscreens feature a display. The display is responsible for producing images. You can see images on the display, and you can tap...

What Is a Membrane Switch Panel?

What Is a Membrane Switch Panel?

You can't choose a membrane switch without considering the panel. Like all switches, membrane switches are used to control a circuit. They feature one or more buttons that, when pressed, will open or close a circuit. Membrane switches simply feature an electrical...

Are Capacitive Touchscreens Mechanical?

Are Capacitive Touchscreens Mechanical?

Capacitive touchscreens are undoutedbly popular. You can find them in smartphones, tablets, control systems, appliances and countless other electronic devices with an embedded touchscreen interface. If you're thinking about buying a capacitive touchscreen, though, you...

5 Facts About OLEDs You Probably Didn’t Know

5 Facts About OLEDs You Probably Didn’t Know

Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) has become a popular display technology. Most modern-day displays, in fact, now use either OLED or light-crystal display (LCD) technology. Also known as organic electroluminescent diode, OLED involves the use of an...

Frequently Asked Questions About Capacitive Switches

Frequently Asked Questions About Capacitive Switches

Switches are commonly used to control devices. A switch, of course, is an electrical component that can complete or break a circuit. While all switches are essentially controllable circuits, they are available in different types. In addition to mechanical switches,...

What’s the Best Backlighting for LCDs?

What’s the Best Backlighting for LCDs?

You can't choose a liquid-crystal display (LCD) without considering the backlighting. All LCDs require backlighting. The liquid pixels within them aren't electroluminescent, so they can't illuminate themselves. Instead, the liquid pixels require external illumination....

The Mechanics of SAW Touchscreens

The Mechanics of SAW Touchscreens

Touchscreens have evolved over the years. In the past, nearly all touchscreens used one of two different technologies to detect touch commands: resistive or capacitive. While neither of these technologies has become obsolete, there are now other technologies...

What Is a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC)? Get the Facts

What Is a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC)? Get the Facts

Circuit boards are the building blocks of nearly all electronic devices. From computers and TVs to touchscreens, thermostats and digital watches, they are found in most electronic devices. As their name suggests, circuit boards are "boards" that feature one or more...

What Is Keyboard Ghosting and How Do You Prevent It?

Have you ever pressed a key on a keyboard, only to discover that the keyboard didn't register it? You aren't alone. Known as ghosting, it's a common phenomenon from which keyboards suffer. What is keyboard ghosting exactly, and how do you prevent it? Overview of...

The Parts of a Projected Capacitive Touchscreen

Projected capacitive has become one of the world's leading touchscreen technologies. It's a variant of capacitive touchscreen technology. Like all capacitive touchscreens, projected capacitive touchscreens measure an electrostatic field to detect touch commands. When...

LED vs WLED Backlighting: What’s the Difference?

LED vs WLED Backlighting: What’s the Difference?

There are many different types of backlighting. Liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), of course, require backlighting to illuminate their respective pixels. Without backlighting, LCDs can't produce visible images. When researching backlighting technologies for LCDs, you may...

What Is Local Area Dimming and How Does It Work?

What Is Local Area Dimming and How Does It Work?

When shopping for a liquid-crystal display (LCD), you may come across the term "local area dimming." It's a common feature in many LCDs. Computer monitors, televisions and other LCD devices often come with local dimming. What is local area dimming exactly, and how...

A Crash Course on Capacitive Sensing and How It Works

A Crash Course on Capacitive Sensing and How It Works

Many touchscreens rely on capacitive sensing to detect touch commands. Even if you're unfamiliar with the technology, you've probably used one of these touchscreens before. Known as capacitive touchscreens, they've become the world's most popular type of touchscreens....

5 Benefits of Membrane Switch Keyboards

5 Benefits of Membrane Switch Keyboards

Membrane switch keyboards have become a popular alternative to traditional scissor-switch keyboards. They are characterized by the use of a membrane overlay. The membrane overlay is typically made of polyester. It features conductive traces that correspond with the...

What Are ‘Pills’ on Silicone Rubber Keypads?

What Are ‘Pills’ on Silicone Rubber Keypads?

Silicone rubber keypads have become one of the most popular types of switching solutions in the world. They are characterized by the use of silicone rubber webbing. Each button has webbing around it. This webbing is made of silicone rubber, which allows the respective...

Why Resistive Touchscreens Feature Two Separate Layers

Why Resistive Touchscreens Feature Two Separate Layers

Resistive is one of the world's leading touchscreen technologies. Like all touchsreen technologies, it supports the use of touch-based commands. You can control resistive touchscreens by tapping the interface with a finger or stylus. Resistive touchscreens will...

The Pros and Cons of Scissor-Switch Keyboards

The Pros and Cons of Scissor-Switch Keyboards

Have you heard of scissor-switch keyboards? Not to be confused with mechanical-switch keyboards, they feature an interlocking design. Each key has two pieces that connect to each other like scissor blades. Pressing a key will engage these two pieces while completing a...

How Blue Phase Differs From Other LCD Technologies

How Blue Phase Differs From Other LCD Technologies

Have you heard of blue phase? It's one of several liquid-crystal display (LCD) technologies. Originating in 2007, blue phase uses liquid crystals like all other LCD technologies. The liquid, organic crystals form the pixels. Blue phase, however, differs from other LCD...

What Type of Overlay Do Capacitive Switches Use?

What Type of Overlay Do Capacitive Switches Use?

Capacitive switches have become a popular alternative to mechanical switches. As their name suggests, they leverage capacitance. Capacitive switches measure changes in capacitance, and they use this information to open or close a circuit. Pressing a capacitive switch...

Frequently Asked Questions About SAW Touchscreens

Frequently Asked Questions About SAW Touchscreens

There are other types of touchscreens besides capacitive and resistive. An alternative technology, for instance, is surface acoustic wave (SAW). SAW touchscreens support touch commands just like their capacitive and resistive counterparts. They are unique, however,...

How Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) Are Wired

How Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) Are Wired

Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) require wiring. All LCDs feature a pixel layer consisting of a liquid organic material. Depending on the resolution, it may have 6 million or more individual pixels. LCDs leverage these pixels to produce images. They must be wired,...

The Complete Guide to Fiber Optic Backlighting

The Complete Guide to Fiber Optic Backlighting

Backlighting is a common feature in many devices. Keypads and switches, for instance, often feature backlighting. It's able to illuminate the interface buttons on keypads and switches so that they are easier to see. There are different types of backlighting, though,...

5 Misconceptions About Multi-Touch Technology

5 Misconceptions About Multi-Touch Technology

Multi-touch technology is a common feature in many touchscreens. Whether you're shopping for a tablet, smartphone, human machine inteface (HMI) or any other touchscreen device, it may offer multi-touch. Multi-touch, of course, refers to input involving two or more...

Are OLEDs More Energy-Efficient than LCDs?

Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and liquid-crystal display (LCD) have become two of the most popular display technologies on the market. They are both able to produce high-definition (HD) images. OLEDs use self-illuminating pixels with electroluminescent...

Silicone Rubber Keypads: 5 Terms You Need to Know

Silicone Rubber Keypads: 5 Terms You Need to Know

When shopping for silicone rubber keypads, you may come across some otherwise unfamiliar terms. Silicone rubber keypads are switching solutions. You can use them to control one or more circuits. Silicone rubber keypads, though, are distinguished from other types of...

5 Myths About Projected Capacitive Touchscreens

5 Myths About Projected Capacitive Touchscreens

Projected capacitive is one of the world's leading touchscreen technologies. It's a variant of capacitive touchscreen technology. Like all capacitive touchscreens, projected capacitive touchscreens identify touch commands by measuring a uniform electrostatic field....

What Is Dynamic Contrast and How Does It Work?

What Is Dynamic Contrast and How Does It Work?

You can't choose a display without considering its contrast ratio. Contrast ratio, of course, represents the difference between a display's light colors and dark colors. A high contrast ratio means the display produces a wider range of colors, specifically light and...

What Is a High-Dynamic Range (HDR) Display?

What Is a High-Dynamic Range (HDR) Display?

High-dynamic range (HDR) displays are on the rise. Whether you're shopping for a new television, computer monitor or any other electronic display, you may come across HDR. Not to be confused with high-definition (HD), they are able to produce bold colors. Even if...

5 Reasons to Choose Dome Arrays

5 Reasons to Choose Dome Arrays

Have you heard of dome arrays? They've become an increasingly popular switching solution. Dome arrays consist of a metal dome on a semi-elastic film that's applied to a circuit -- typically a printed circuit board (PCB). Like all switching solutions, they are used to...

Piezo vs Mechanical Switches: What’s the Difference?

Piezo vs Mechanical Switches: What’s the Difference?

Switches are the building blocks of nearly all electronic devices. Consisting of conductive paths, they are designed to control a circuit. Switches can open or close a circuit. An open circuit, of course, means that electricity can't flow all the way through it. There...

How to Choose Touchscreen Gloves

How to Choose Touchscreen Gloves

Do you own a capacitive touchscreen? Capacitive touchscreens are undoubtedly popular. When compared to resistive touchscreens, they are more responsive, longer-lasting and produce higher-quality images. Unfortunately, they don't support the use of regular gloves....

Why LCDs Have Two Polarized Layers

Why LCDs Have Two Polarized Layers

Liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) contain many different layers. They feature a pixel layer, for instance, that contains the liquid pixels. They also feature a backlighting layer that's responsible for illuminating the liquid pixels. LCDs, however, also feature two...

Pros and Cons of Vertical Alignment (VA) LCDs

Pros and Cons of Vertical Alignment (VA) LCDs

Have you heard of vertical alignment (VA)? It's become one of the most popular types of liquid-crystal display (LCD) technologies on the market. You can find TVs, computer monitors, tablets and other display devices that feature a VA LCD. If you're thinking about...

What Is a Hall Effect Keyboard?

What Is a Hall Effect Keyboard?

Have you heard of hall effect keyboard? If so, you might be wondering how they differ from other types of keyboards. All keyboards consist of switches. Each key is essentially a switch. Pressing a key will close the underlying circuit. Releasing a key will then open...

The Rise of Piezo Switches: What You Should Know

The Rise of Piezo Switches: What You Should Know

When researching the different types of switches, you may come across piezo. Not all switches rely on moving parts. In addition to mechanical switches, there are piezo switches. Piezo switches are essentially touch switches that feature a piezoelectric panel. The...

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Capacitive Switch

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Capacitive Switch

Capacitive switches have become a popular alternative to mechanical switches. They are characterized by the use of sensors to measure a voltage. The voltage is constant by default. When you touch a button, though, your finger will absorb some of the voltage. The...

Is a Resistive Touchscreen Right for You?

There's no denying the fact that touchscreens are convenient. They don't require external peripherals like a keyboard and a mouse. Rather, you can control them by performing touch commands. All touchscreens support touch commands. They feature an integrated display,...

Finish Options for Plastic Keypads

Finish Options for Plastic Keypads

You can't choose a plastic keypad without considering the finish. Plastic keypads are available in a variety of finishes. The finish, of course, is a layer of material that's applied over the top of a keypad. Both silicone rubber keypads and plastic keypads are...

Panel vs Membrane Overlay: What’s the Difference?

Switches typically require a top layer. Known as an overlay, it often contains conductive contacts on the underside. Pressing a button on a switch will force these conductive contacts to touch a lower set of conductive contacts, thus completing the circuit. While you...

Are Membrane Switches Durable?

Are Membrane Switches Durable?

Durability is important when choosing switches for commercial applications. While consumer applications often involve indoor use, commercial applications often involve outdoor use or high-humidity indoor use. Regardless, switches will be exposed to more wear and tear...

What Causes Screen Flickering With LCDs?

What Causes Screen Flickering With LCDs?

Liquid-crystal display (LCD) has surpassed cathode-ray tube (CRT) and plasma to become the world's most popular display technology. More display devices use LCD technology than all other display technologies. While popular, though, some LCDs may suffer from screen...

5 Things You Need to Know About Infrared (IR) Touchscreens

5 Things You Need to Know About Infrared (IR) Touchscreens

Touchscreens are often powered by different technologies. Some of them are powered by capacitive technology, whereas others are powered by resistive technology. While not as common as capacitive and resistive, there's also infrared (IR) touchscreen technology. IR...

When to Choose Electroluminescent (EL) Backlighting

When to Choose Electroluminescent (EL) Backlighting

Membrane switches, mechanical switches, human machine interfaces (HMIs) and other devices often require backlighting. Backlighting will illuminate the device from behind so that its keys or buttons are easier to see. While all backlighting is designed to illuminate...

The Beginner’s Guide to 5-Wire Resistive Touchscreens

The Beginner’s Guide to 5-Wire Resistive Touchscreens

Different touchscreens are powered by different technologies. Some of them are powered by capacitive technology, for instance. Capacitive is the world's most popular touchscreen technology. It leverages the human body's conductive properties to detect touch commands....

Why SAW Touchscreens Feature a Glass Top Layer

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) touchscreens have become a popular alternative to resistive and capacitive touchscreens. They receive their namesake from their use of acoustics. SAW touchscreens produce sound waves on the display interface, which they monitor to detect...

Mechanical vs Capacitive Switches: What’s the Difference?

Mechanical vs Capacitive Switches: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for switches, you may come across mechanical and capacitive. Switches, of course, are found in countless electronic devices. Consisting of the conductive pathways, they are used to control a circuit. While some switches are mechanical, however, others...

5 Energy-Saving Tips for LCDs

5 Energy-Saving Tips for LCDs

Liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) are known for their energy-efficient operation. All display devices consume energy during use. LCDs, however, consume less energy than many other types of display devices. There are also ways to further reduce the energy usage of an LCD....

What Is a Multilayer Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC)?

What Is a Multilayer Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC)?

Circuits are the building blocks for nearly all electronic devices. A circuit, of course, is a controlled electrical path. It consists of a loop that begins, ends and repeats at a power source. A closed circuit means this loop is complete. An open circuit, on the...

How Are Ultra-Thin Keypads Made?

How Are Ultra-Thin Keypads Made?

Keypads are available in different sizes. Some of them are thick and consume a lot of space. Other keypads, conversely, feature a thin and low-profile design. Known as ultra-thin keypads, they are commonly used in human machine interfaces (HMIs), ATMs, control panels...

An Introduction to Native Resolution in Display Devices

An Introduction to Native Resolution in Display Devices

You can't choose the perfect display device without considering its resolution. As you may know, it affects the level of detail. High-resolution display devices produce clearer, more detailed images than their low-resolution counterparts. When choosing a display...

The Beginner’s Guide to Mutual Capacitive Touchscreens

The Beginner’s Guide to Mutual Capacitive Touchscreens

Capacitive touchscreens are all around us. You can find them in smartphones, tablets, smart refrigerators, point-of-sale (POS) systems, human machine interfaces (HMIs), smartwatches and more. While there are other types of touchscreens available, none are more popular...

Island-Style vs Membrane Keyboard: What’s the Difference?

Island-Style vs Membrane Keyboard: What’s the Difference?

If you're planning to buy a new keyboard in the near future, you might be wondering whether to choose an island-style or membrane keyboard. All keyboards consist of rows of buttons. Each button is essentially a switch that controls an underlying circuit. Keyboards,...

Pros and Cons of TFT Liquid-Crystal Displays (LCDs)

Pros and Cons of TFT Liquid-Crystal Displays (LCDs)

Not all liquid-crystal displays (LCD) use the same technology to produce images. By definition, LCDs are simply display devices that feature liquid pixels. Some of them, however, use different technologies, such as thin-film transistor (TFT). TFT is a common type of...

4 Reasons to Choose a SAW Touchscreen

4 Reasons to Choose a SAW Touchscreen

Different touchscreens use different technologies to detect touch commands. Some of them use capacitive technology, whereas others use resistive technology. While capacitive and resistive are the most common touchscreen technologies, though, another option is surface...

The Rise of Membrane Switches: What You Should Know

Membrane switches have become increasingly popular in recent years. Like all switches, they are circuit-controlling interfaces. Switches are devices that offer an interface, such as a keypad, that you can use to open and close the circuits. Membrane switches, however,...

What Types of Displays Are Affected By Magnets?

What Types of Displays Are Affected By Magnets?

If you own a display device, you might be wondering whether magnets will affect its performance. Magnets are all around us. They are found in speakers, refrigerators, computers, cabinets and countless other products. While magnets won't affect some types of display...

What Are Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Light Guides

What Are Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Light Guides

Have you heard of light-emitting diode (LED) light guides? They are commonly used as backlighting solutions for keypads, human machine interfaces (HMIs), switches and other devices. While LEDs alone can be used as backlighting solutions, though, the addition of light...

The Benefits of Cover Glass in Touchscreens

The Benefits of Cover Glass in Touchscreens

The cover glass is an important part of many touchscreens. It's the uppermost layer that "covers" the underlying layer. As the name suggests, the cover glass is made of glass. All touchscreens have a top layer. While some of them have a plastic top layer, though,...

3 Common Types of Panels for Membrane Switches

3 Common Types of Panels for Membrane Switches

Membrane switches have become increasingly popular in recent years. Like all switches, they are designed to control one or more circuits. Membrane switches are distinguished from other types of switches, however, by their use of a flexible substrate. Mechanical...

The Durable Properties of 5-Wire Resistive Touchscreens

The Durable Properties of 5-Wire Resistive Touchscreens

Touchscreens don't always last forever. When used for an extended period, some of them may sustain scratches or other forms of damage that interfere with their operations. Fortunately, 5-wire resistive touchscreens are recognized for their superior durability. If...

The Pros and Cons of Edge-Lit LED Backlighting

The Pros and Cons of Edge-Lit LED Backlighting

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are often used as backlighting solutions for display devices. All liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), for instance, require a backlighting solution. LEDs don't have self-illuminating pixels. Backlighting, however, will illuminate their pixels...

What Is a Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)?

What Is a Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)?

When most people think of display technologies, they envision liquid-crystal display (LCD) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED). After all, countless display devices feature these display technologies. There are other display technologies, though, one of which is...

An Introduction to Membrane Switch Keyboards

An Introduction to Membrane Switch Keyboards

Have you heard of membrane switch keyboards? They've become a popular alternative to dome-switch keyboards. Membrane switch keyboards still consist of the same buttons as their dome-switch counterparts, and they are used for the same purpose of controlling desktop or...