Capacitive sensing in touch screens has been around since the 1970’s, but with the recent explosion in popularity of the smartphone, projected capacitive sensors (PCAP) have come to the forefront of touch screen technology. Users are realizing that the gesturing interface used on the advanced smartphones is a natural way of interacting with electronic devices. Now that projected capacitive touch panels are available in larger panel sizes, designers can bring this same experience to a variety of embedded systems where the durability, reliability and overall performance of this technology can also add substantial value to the system.
PCT technology is a capacitive technology which permits more accurate and flexible operation, projection of the touch field through additional layers of material plus full multi touch capability. Typical construction of a PCT technology sensor allows for operation without direct contact to the touch sensor. Thus the touch sensor can be located behind further insulating layers, and operate even under screen protectors, or behind weather and vandal-proof glass. Due to the top layer of a PCT being glass, PCT is a more robust solution versus resistive touch technology. Since PCT technology construction is an X and Y matrix of capacitors capable of locating multiple distinct touchpoints, PCAP touch sensors are true multi touch capable.
With the recent improvements of PCAP technology it quickly won over industrial application market shares from resistive touch. PCAP touch screens started to be introduced more in applications where customers require a more rugged surface due to susceptibility to scratches and mishandlings making it the new best solution for industrial applications.