What distinguishes a capacitive touchscreen

In our product descriptions to Panel PCs or industrially usable displays, you read often that a projective-capacitive touchscreen is used there. Find out here how the innovative IPC operation by touching the screen works and what is the difference to the slightly flexible resistive touchscreens, which only react to pressure.
A projective-capacitive touchscreen (mostly “PCT” for “Projected Capacitive Touch” or “PCAP” for short) is composed of two levels that are isolated from each other and have a similar and conductive stripe or diamond pattern. While the upper level, mostly made of glass, carries the sensor on its back, the lower level takes on the task of the driver. If a finger touches the glass cover, a charge shift occurs in the sensor, which at the same time increases the capacity of the electrodes underneath. This is perceived by the parallel receiver strips as a signal. A major advantage of the system compared to the resistive touchscreen is the attachment of the sensor on the back of the cover slip, through which the respective pulse is “projected”. This makes it possible to operate the touchscreen via the practically wear-free glass surface. This also makes it easier to recognize gestures and the sequence of multiple touches known as multi-touch.

via performance

via protection class

Stainless steel

Medical PC

Industrial Tablets

We have devices with a capacitive touchscreen in various versions in our shop

A capacitive touchscreen only reacts to conductive input instances

It is therefore not primarily the pressure that is responsible for forwarding the control impulses, but rather the electrical charging of the respective “input instance”. A capacitive touchscreen can therefore be operated optimally with bare fingers – regardless of whether it is cold or warm – but not with a conventional stylus or thick gloves, for example, because these are not conductive. However, there are now also conductive styluses and other specially developed tools. This is particularly important for people with prosthetic hands or for those who do their work with protective gloves for reasons of occupational safety. If a capacitive touchscreen is to be used in your industrial company, you should definitely take this special property into account. If you want to know more details, we will of course also advise you on the use of capacitive touchscreens and on whether and when additional controls are recommended.