Capacitive touch screen

Types of Capacitive touch screens

A capacitive touch screen is a screen with multiple layers of capacitors in the touch screen glass. When a person touches the screen, it creates a change in capacitance that the system detects. These screens are known for their accuracy and robustness. There are different types of capacitive touch screens.

• Semi-arc Electrostatic Capacitive (E)

  These require a specific type of stylus to operate, as they work with electrostatic charge. The touchscreens work by creating an electrostatic field across the screen surface. When a finger or stylus penetrates the field, the system detects a change in electrostatic capacitance at that point. Sometimes, using these screens can be tricky, as only certain materials can work with them.

• Projected Capacitive Touchscreen (PCT)

  PCT screens are primarily used in smartphones and tablets. They are very responsive and have multi-touch capability. One of the biggest advantages of PCT is the ability to detect touch input through different types of gloves. Also, they have high clarity since they do not require any additional protective layer. This makes the touch sensitivity far better than traditional capacitive screens.

• Surface Capacitive Touchscreens

  These are older capacitive screens that only support single-touch capability. Surface capacitive touch screens are primarily used with conductively treated glass surfaces that have a capacitance sensor on one side. The touchscreens offer a simple, low-cost solution ideal for applications that require limited touch response, like vending machines.

• Self-capacitance

  Self-cap screens have several touchpoints, and each touchpoint works independently. This type of capacitive touch screen is mainly used in keyboards and simple touchpads. They are suited for applications where low-resolution touch response is required.

  When a person touches the screen, the self-capacitive system measures the capacitance at the touchpoint. It can detect multiple touches simultaneously, but only one touch can operate at a time. This helps improve accuracy but needs more extensive algorithms, making it costlier.

• Projected Capacitive Touchscreen (PCT)

  Projected capacitive touch screens are primarily used in smartphones and tablets. These advanced capacitive screens are highly responsive and have multi-touch capabilities. They offer excellent accuracy and responsiveness and are capable of detecting touch input through different types of gloves. In addition, they provide high clarity because they do not require any additional protective layer. This makes the touch sensitivity far better compared to traditional capacitive screens.

• Body Capacitance

  Body cap screens detect touches based on body capacitance. The screens can work with all types of gloves and even when a stylus pen touches the screen. However, they are slower and more accurate due to environmental factors like humidity. That is why they are used in areas with little environmental interference.

Features and Functions of Capacitive Touch Screens

The features of capacitive touch screens are what define their operations. They benefit from exceptional clarity, faster response times, and higher durability. Those features make them the preferred option for high-traffic, mission-critical applications.

• Multiple Touch Support

  Many capacitive touch screens allow users to perform multi-touch gestures like zooming in or out by pinching the screen with two or more fingers.

• Stylus and Glove Support

  Some capacitive touch screens only work with specially designed active styluses. That offers precise touch input for drawing or annotating. In most cases, hand gloves hinder touch input, but some screens allow touch input even with gloves on. That is only possible on high-sensitivity screens, which are ideal for retail kiosks and medical devices.

• Water and Palm Rejection

  Water or spillage can accidentally trigger unwanted touch input; palm rejection prevents that. It allows only input from the stylus while ignoring other touches. Manufacturers of screens for smartphones and tablets widely use this technology. Water random touch input on older models screens can frustrate the user. With newer models, users can be guaranteed smooth operation.

• Violent Shock or Vandalism Resistance

  Some capacitive touch screens get placed in public areas, where they are prone to shock or vandalism. Screens armed with hardened glass or protective layers can resist shock and keep performing well. When combined with anti-shatter film, the screens don't shatter even if the glass breaks. Kiosk manufacturers widely use this technology.

• Anti-Glare and Privacy Filters

  Displays with anti-glare coatings reduce sunlight or room light reflections. That improves screen visibility in brightly lit conditions. Also available are displays with built-in privacy filters. They limit the viewing angle so that only the screen's owner sees the content clearly. Such screens have become essential for sensitive business environments.

• Haptic Feedback

  Haptic feedback creates a touch sensation by vibrating the fingertips. It has become a requirement for high-end smartphones and tablets. Integrating haptic feedback into screens makes the touch experience feel real and enhances the user's confidence. Mobile gaming and AR applications benefit the most from this technology.

• Wide Operating Temperature Range

  Some applications require touch screens to perform well beyond standard room temperatures. In extreme cases, they can face very high or very low temperatures. Screens designed for such applications have industrial-grade components. They support operations within -20°C to 70°C or even higher. Alibaba.com widely sells such screens to manufacturers of handheld devices, production machine consoles, and logistics equipment.

Scenarios of an capacitive touch screen

Capacitive touch screens are sensitive to touch, making them ideal for applications that require quick response times and high sensitivity. Some usage scenarios of capacitive touchscreens include the following;

• Retail: Businesses in retail sectors use capacitive touch screens in point-of-sale terminals to allow customers to pay for transactions using tablets or smartphones. They are also used for digital signage and interactive product displays.
• Healthcare: In healthcare facilities, capacitive touchscreens are used in medical devices and equipment. Surgeons and physicians can operate touch-sensitive devices without needing gloves. Additionally, the screens are used in electronic health record systems to enable staff to document patient care and access vital information quickly.
• Industrial: Capacitive touch screens are mostly used in industrial control systems and machinery. Operators can monitor and control the touchscreen-sensitive systems in industrial environments. The good thing about capacitive touch screens is that they can detect touches even when the screen is covered with gloves, dirt, or water. This ensures reliable operation in various industrial settings.
• Automotive: The automotive industry uses capacitive touch screens for infotainment systems, navigation, and dashboard controls. Touch-sensitive screens allow drivers and passengers to control various functions of the car easily.
• Consumer electronics: This industry heavily relies on capacitive touch screens. These touch-sensitive screens are used on smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and laptops. Capacitive touch screens allow users to interact with the device by tapping, swiping, or pinching on the screen. Additionally, some capacitive touch screens come with multi-touch functionality, enabling multiple users to interact with the screen simultaneously.
• Smart home devices: Smart home devices like thermostats, security systems, and appliances use capacitive touch screens to allow homeowners to control settings with a simple touch. The responsive nature of these touch screens enhances user experience and allows homeowners to control smart devices easily.
• Medical devices: Capacitive touch screens are used in various medical devices such as portable ultrasound machines, infusion pumps, and handheld diagnostic tools. Healthcare professionals can operate touch-sensitive medical devices easily and get immediate feedback.

How to choose capacitive touch screens

When looking for capacitive touch screens for wholesale, buyers should consider factors such as screen type, material, durability, screen resolution, multi-touch support, and customization options.

The type of capacitive touch screen can determine whether it is suitable for a specific application. Multi-touch screens support more than one touch at a time on the screen. Thus, they provide a smooth and responsive touch experience. On the other hand, a projected capacitive touch screen is fast and accurate in detecting touches or gestures on the screen. It is mainly used in smartphones, tablets, vehicle dashboards, and medical equipment.

Retailers should look for capacitive touch screens made from durable materials such as glass or scratch-resistant plastic. Screens made from glass laminating with plastic can be used in outdoor applications because they are impact-resistant and less prone to scratch.

The durability of the capacitive touch screen highly depends on its build quality and the materials used to make it. Such screens can withstand heavy daily usage. Also, consider the touch screen's protection rating. For example, IP65 rated touch screens are resistant to dust and water.

Capacitive touch screens with higher screen resolution offer sharper and clearer images. Retinal displays with 326 pixels per inch or more are excellent for visual clarity. Furthermore, consider the touch screen's compatibility with devices like smartphones, tablets, and kiosks.

Some touch screens support gloved and stylus input options apart from normal finger input. This flexible input support makes the screen ideal for various applications. Custom capacitive touch screens can be designed to meet specific needs. These needs include shape, size, color, design, and extra features. Qualified suppliers can provide extensive customization options to businesses looking for customized touch screens. Inquire about the specific customization process, such as materials, technology used to make the screen, and design templates to submit.

Capacitive touch screen Q&A

Q1: What kind of power supply does a capacitive screen require?

A1: Capacitive touch screens draw very minimal current, so they don't need a dedicated power supply. They get their power from the device they are integrated into.

Q2: What are the benefits of a capacitive touch screen?

A2: A capacitive touch screen is more sensitive, multi-touch capable, has a sleeker design, and is more durable and efficient than other touch screens.

Q3: What are the drawbacks of a capacitive touch screen?

A3: Some capacitive touch screens require users to be trained to use gestures properly. They also malfunction when exposed to water and are more expensive than resistive screens.

Q4: How durable is a capacitive touch screen?

A4: Apart from the capacitive sensors, all components of a capacitive touch screen are very durable. They are protected by an outer layer that can have a hardness rating of up to 9H. The screens are also highly resistant to environmental factors like dust and high temperatures.

Q5: Can one calibrate a capacitive touch screen?