The military industry calls for rugged solutions that can withstand the most harsh environments on the battlefield. At E3 we specialize in ruggedized, touch screen applications, with enhanced brightness for both sunlight and readability to ensure your solution can help complete the mission at hand. With over 20 years of combined experience in display technology, E3 Displays has everything you need to develop and manufacture your custom touch display all in one place. With customer-centric solutions featuring strategic planning, competitive pricing, longevity and support, we ensure the best products on the market to help you scale. This case study will help provide valuable insights as to how we help you from start to finish.
The E3 Displays Difference
Background
A major defense contractor worked with E3 Displays to complete a prototype military display assembly. After witnessing the technical and manufacturing expertise from this effort, they engaged with E3 during the early development stage for a new turn-key ruggedized display assembly. Through full collaboration during the design phase, E3 designed and developed a complex display assembly. E3 procures the complete BOM and delivers a robust 12.1” LCD module:
The bonded display assembly includes a 12.1” TFT color LCD optically bonded to a projected capacitive touch sensor.
The display assembly is mounted into the machined aluminum front and back frame. Environmental and conductive gaskets are used in the mounting scheme to provide an environmental and EMI sealed enclosure.
The assembly also includes a membrane switch panel accessible from the front of the bezel, a touch controller for system electronics interface to the PCAP touch sensor and an interface circuit board for the attachment of a single system interface cable.
The Challenge
1. The biggest challenge was to pass the MIL STD rain test. Water rejection was demonstrated and benefits shown, but was not ideal for plug and play.
2. The mechanical dimensions did not allow for enough space to run the PCAP sensor traces needed for connectivity.
3. The solution needed power draw for operating in low temperature conditions.
The Result
E3 worked closely with a touch panel manufacturer on a custom PCAP solution with tuned firmware to eliminate false touch readings from water droplets and pass MIL STD testing.
We looked at multiple touch panel providers and chose a supplier that could meet the aggressive timeframe and mechanical restrictions that were specified by our customer. We had on-going meetings with touch panel manufacturer during the development phase to ensure the size of the ITO traces and spacing between them met the space limitations and still ensured a high-quality touch sensor. E3 engineering designed a heater solution that allowed the display to operate in low temperatures within the MIL STD requirements using minimal power draw.
Through the process E3 was able to provide a complete custom solution and deliver the product on time and within the project budget. Our client success means our success and that’s why we have been able to establish and maintain multiple long-lasting relationships within the military industry.