Membrane Switch Defined

Membrane Switch Defined

What is a Membrane Switch?

A membrane switch is an interface between man and machine, enabling an operator to communicate with equipment, instrumentation, or machinery. A membrane switch is a printed or etched electronic circuit that uses pressure to open and close a circuit. The membrane switch circuitry can be: screen printed using conductive inks which are typically made of silver or carbon, etched copper on Kapton, or can be printed circuit board based. The membrane switch overlay is typically made of polyester, polycarbonate, or molded silicone rubber. Membrane switches are part of a range of devices considered to be user interfaces or human machine interfaces (HMIs) along with touch screens and mechanical switches.

Membrane Switch Construction

A typical membrane switch assembly typically consists of six to seven main layers:

  • Graphic Overlay – Graphic overlays are typically constructed of polyester, the material of choice due to its superior chemical resistance and flex life compared to polycarbonate. CSI can either digitally print, screen-print, or employ a combination of both methods to insure you get the right colors, textures, and finishes your Silver Flex membrane switch design requires.
  • Overlay Adhesive – The overlay adhesive layer bonds the graphic overlay to the top circuit layer. This overlay adhesive is typically an acrylic adhesive, selected for its durability and ability to maintain adherence in atypical environments, such as moist environments.
  • Top Circuit Layer – Typically a .005″ – .007″ heat-stabilized, polyester printed layer with silver-filled, electrically conductive inks and dielectric inks. This layer can also encapsulate metal domes or incorporate polydomes, which are used to achieve tactile feedback, an important design consideration impacting usability.
  • Circuit Spacer – This layer separates the top circuit from the bottom circuit, so the switch remains normally open until the keypad is pressed. The circuit spacer is a polyester spacer with adhesive on both sides.
  • Lower Circuit Layer – The lower circuit layer is typically a .005″ – .007″ heat-stabilized, polyester-printed layer with silver-filled electrically conductive inks and dielectric inks. This layer terminates as a flexible tail that serves as the interconnect to controller PCB’s or other electronics.
  • Rear Adhesive Layer – This adhesive layer bonds the entire membrane switch package to the product enclosure, housing, or to a rigid support panel. CSI can specify the appropriate adhesive type and thickness to bond your membrane keypad to your equipment.
  • Rigid Support Layer – This optional layer can add structural integrity to the membrane switch assembly. Materials can be aluminum, FR-4, steel, etc. Mounting hardware such as studs and standoffs can also be utilized in this layer.
Membrane Switch Guide

Copper Flex Membrane Switches

The Copper Flex Membrane Switch constructions are ideal for smaller designs, where space is at a premium, or where dense circuit patterns or trace routing limitations exist. Copper Flex membrane keypads utilize silver or copper layers which are laminated to a dielectric layer and etched away.

This switching technology combines the ability to accommodate the complex circuit patterns of a FR4 rigid printed circuit board with the flexibility of a membrane switch. Copper Flex keypads also have the advantage of being able to “hard” solder both active and passive components into the assembly, making it a good choice in high-vibration environments.

Copper Flex membrane switch panels can be produced using polyester or polyimide (Kapton) as the base material depending on your interface requirements. A very thin sheet of copper is laminated to the flexible film substrate then chemically etched away, leaving copper traces. 

Copper Flex membrane switches offer you a variety of design options:

  • Single and double sided designs
  • Lower electrical resistance and higher conductivity vs. traditional Silver Flex membrane switches
  • Tight trace routing capabilities
  • Thin profile and flexibility of Silver Flex membrane switch
  • Plating options can be tin-lead, nickel, or gold
  • Tactile and non-tactile with either metal or polyester tactile domes
  • LED’s and other components can be soldered
CSI Keyboards Medical Membrane Switch

PCB Based Membrane Switches

The PCB Membrane Switch construction utilizes a printed circuit board (PCB) which can serve a dual purpose in your membrane switch design. PCB Switches are typically more costly than Silver Flex membrane keypads, but can accommodate dense circuit patterns and more complex circuit patterns compared to Silver Flex membrane keypads.

A PCB membrane switch also allows the electronic components to be “hard-soldered” into the PCB, whereas membrane switch components are placed using a polymer thick film conductive paste. With a PCB membrane switch, the PCB can serve as a rigid backer, and is also a very durable and reliable method to incorporate LED’s, resistors, LCD’s and other components.

CSI Keyboards PCBA Rubber Keypad

PCB membrane keyboards offer you a variety of design options:

  • Tactile and non-tactile with either metal or polyester tactile domes
  • Pillow or rim-embossed graphic overlays
  • Embedded LED’s that are soldered directly into the PCB
  • Fiber Optic backlighting
  • EL – (Electroluminescent backlighting)
  • Rigid backers such as aluminum and FR4
  • EMI/RFI shielding
  • Unlimited choice of connectors, which can be soldered directly into the PCB

Silicone Elastomer Rubber Keypads

Silicone rubber keypads use compression-molded silicone rubber with conductive carbon pills or with non-conductive rubber actuators.  They have exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures and aging, making them an ideal choice if reliability is a prominent concern due to likely environmental influences.

A rubber membrane switch uses compression-molded silicone rubber with conductive carbon pills or with non-conductive rubber actuators. Rubber keypads are relatively inexpensive on a per-piece basis, but require fairly expensive tooling, usually making them a design choice for higher-volume projects.

Silicone rubber keypad switches have numerous features that set this type apart from other traditional membrane switch designs. Some of the main differentiating features of this type make the silicone rubber keypad switch an ideal choice for applications requiring more durability or better resistance to exposure to moisture, chemicals, or other compounds.

Molded rubber keypad: copper flex circuit based with domes and backlit keys

Some of the primary distinctive features of silicone rubber keypad switches include:

  • Work as a conductive shorting device for Silver Flex membrane switches, PCB membrane switches, and Copper Flex membrane switches
  • Can utilize carbon pills, non-conductive rubber actuators, or stainless steel tactile domes
  • Actuation forces and switch travel can be customized
  • Any shape or size can be designed
  • Multiple colors can be achieved by flow molding the color during the compression-molding process
  • Rubber keypad top graphics can be customized by screen-printing
  • Rubber keypad switches can be PU spray-coated for enhanced durability
  • Rubber membrane switches have excellent weatherability for outdoor use
  • Can be designed to seal the keypad assembly from moisture and contaminants
  • Silicone rubber is resistant to chemicals and moisture
  • Laser etching the rubber keypads can allow for backlighting individual keypads
  • Backlighting options

Utilizing Mesh for Keypad EMI Shielding

Utilizing Mesh for Keypad EMI Shielding ​

Do you have a product that has stringent EMI shielding requirements? CSI can integrate EMI mesh into your keypad assembly using the finest woven blackened wire mesh. The mesh is blackened to make it suitable for optical applications such as applying over displays or under windows. 

EMI protection will be provided by covering the entire keypad, display and LED conductors, etc. with wire mesh. The mesh is typically 80 x 80 density, of .0011 inch diameter stainless steel wire strands.  It is an interwoven fabric, silver coated, and then blackened. The mesh shall be in direct electrical contact when attached to the enclosure. The woven mesh is highly conductive for the best EMI shielding effectiveness and is even and very black avoiding highly reflective un-blackened wires and discolorations.

Integrating the Mesh into the Design:

  1. The mesh is die-cut to the shape of the keypad and then assembled into the internal layers of the keypad assembly.
  2. CSI will work closely with you in determining the best method to make direct electrical contact between the EMI mesh and your product when the keypad is assembled to your enclosure.
Membrane Switch with EMI Mesh

Redesigning your Existing Membrane Switch

Redesigning your Existing Membrane Switch​

Every week, we are approached by a customer that is having issues with a membrane switch or keypad designed by another manufacturer. More often than not, the membrane switch was not engineered properly when it was originally developed. Typically, the membrane switch is failing out in the field due moisture ingress and lack of sealing characteristics.

Because this is such a common occurrence, CSI has a seamless process in place for redesigning your current membrane switch without having to completely reinvent the wheel. We can work closely with your company in designing a drop-in replacement that will not require any product redesign or any changes for that matter on your end. CSI will update and upgrade all of the critical internal layers giving you the environmental sealing required while leaving the external layers untouched – leaving you with a completely sealed product upgrade that can be smoothly incorporated into your existing production line.

So what you waiting for?! If you are unhappy with your current membrane switch, now is the time to make the change. Reach out to CSI today to get the ball rolling and eliminate these headaches once and for all!

What are the Internal Layers of Membrane Switches?

What are the Internal Layers of a Membrane Switch?​

We all know about the graphic overlay layer which is the top surface of the keypad that always gets the most attention (and rightfully so).  But what’s going on behind the scenes in the sub-assembly of the membrane switch?  Let’s find out.

Dome Retainer Layer

The dome retainer layer is somewhat self explanatory. The primary function of this layer is hold the metal domes in place and position. It is typically manufactured from polyester film material.

Spacer Layer

The spacer layer is used to created a break in contact between the two conductors of the switch. This allows the switch to have its open position. The spacer design typically includes vents or channels to prevent air entrapment in the layers when the keys are pressed or actuated.

Circuit Layer

The circuit layer is the electrical aspect of a membrane switch where the conductive traces are applied using one of the two main methods of application: screen printing and photochemical etching.

  • Screen Printing or Printed Silver Circuitry: Silver conductive ink is flooded on the stencil placed above a substrate (typically polyester film).
  • Photochemical Etching or Copper Flex Circuitry: Copper laminated substrate is selectively created through photolithography and a chemical etching process.

Mechanically Mounted & Fastened Keypads

Mechanically Mounted & Fastened Keypads

While the majority of keypad assemblies are simply adhered to the end product using rear pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), in some cases the product design calls for mechanical mounting. Mechanically fastening the keypad assembly not only provides additional mounting support and rigidity, it also prevents the keypad from being removed or pried from the front (in many cases for security purposes) and allows our customers the flexibility to remove the keypad assemblies out in the field when required. 

The rubber keypad assembly shown below is used in an outdoor lockbox application and has the following design features: 

  • Mechanically fastened using 10 PEM studs that are integrated into the metal backer.
  • Backlit keys using LEDs, light guide film, light piping and laser etching technology.
  • Environmentally sealed utilizing the rubber which wraps around the entire assembly acting as a sealed gasket.
  • Tactile keys using metal domes.
  • Cable assembly with female connector soldered and sealed to the PCB for connection to customer’s PCB. 
Rubber Keypad Mounted to Outdoor Lock Box
Rubber Keypad with PEM Studs for Mounting
Rear View of Rubber Keypad with PEM Studs

How to Choose the Right Dome for a Membrane Switch

How to Choose the Right Dome for a Membrane Switch

Choosing the “right” dome for a membrane switch may seem daunting, but rest assured, it is more straightforward than you might initially think. Firstly, what are metal domes? Metal domes are used in membrane switches and keypads to enable and facilitate the electrical connection from the keypad to the product itself. Or in other words, how the user of a device initiates a specific electrical function on the product. 

Electrical switches are necessary in almost every HMI (human-machine interface) device or product. No membrane switch is the same and all are used in a unique environment, therefore it is critical that the most suitable dome is chosen for the specific application and environment. For instance, if the product is used in an industrial setting and the user will be wearing gloves: a dome larger in size with a higher force & stronger tactile feedback would be ideal. Or if the membrane switch will be used in a nursing home setting and the user will typically be older in age: a dome with a lighter force (easier to press) would be best suited.

Our CSI engineers will work closely with you in deciding which dome is best for your application. We understand that the tactile feel of a key is very subjective, so typically will mock up multiple sample keypads with different dome options in the prototype stage of the design. This allows our customers to make a decision through a more “hands-on” approach. It’s also important to understand that the dome happens to be one of the easiest components of the membrane switch design to change-out & replace throughout the design cycle and even after the keypad is in production (ie so you are never stuck with a specific dome).

Dome Characteristics & Options:

Size: 

Measured in diameter and height of the dome. The size of the keys on the membrane switch will ultimately determine the size of the dome required for the application. Domes sizes range from 6mm up to 20mm. Height is dependent on size and ranges from .25mm up to 1.45mm.

Shape:

  • Four legged
  • Triangle
  • Round 
  • Oblong
  • Custom
 

Actuation Force: 

The actuation force is one of the most critical characteristics when choosing a dome. Actuation or trip force is the minimum force needed to depress the dome and is measured in grams. Actuation forces range from 40g up to 2250g. 

Lifecycles: 

Domes have come a long way since their inception. Originally, domes were only rated for thousands of cycles. The standard for domes is now at least one million cycles, with specialized domes rated for at least five million cycles. No matter the application, there is a dome that can meet your lifecycle requirements.

Dimple or Non-Dimpled: 

Looking at a variety of domes for different applications, users may notice a little dimple located in the center of the dome (see pictures to the right). The dimple is a small concave feature located on top of the dome, and can be as deep as 0.2 mm (0.008 in.). The purpose of the dimple is to provide better electrical characteristics and to reduce contact bounce..

What is a Dome Switch Keypad?

What is a Dome Switch Keypad?

CSI Keyboards designs domes into the majority of our membrane switches. Dome switch keypads use two circuit board traces in conjunction with a metal dome. Metal domes, which are typically made of stainless steel, are momentary switch contacts that provide tactility or “snap” when pressed. The domes become normally-open tactile switches when actuated on the circuit. 

The main advantage of dome switch keyboards is the tactile snap or feedback when actuated. When pressing the key, the user realizes they have actually actuated or successfully pressed the switch due to the feel and sound feedback received from the dome.

Another major benefit of the dome switches are the the long lifespan and reliability. Standard dome switch keypads are now rated from one million to even five million cycles. They are still the most reliable type of switch available in the membrane switch space. 

Dome Options:

  • Dome plating: can be plated in other metals such as nickel, silver or gold
  • Dome shapes: four legged, triangle, round, oblong
  • Dome sizes: standard sizes are 6mm, 7mm, 8.5mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm
  • Dome forces: standard forces range from 85g to 700g
  • Other options: dimpled, hole in center (for backlighting key), double-contact closure domes. 
 
Understanding Dome Actuation Forces:

Actuation force is the amount of force required to make the dome snap. Or in other words, how much force is required to change the dome from the open position to the closed position. Dome actuation force is typically measured in grams. 
 
Internal Venting for Dome Switches:
 
A critical aspect to keep in mind when designing a dome switch keypad is internal venting. When the dome is actuated, air is trapped underneath the dome with nowhere to go. It is therefore recommended that venting is incorporated in the membrane switch design. Not properly venting the dome will result in poor tactile response, key failure and potential issues with air entrapment under the membrane surface.
 

How Do I Choose the Right Dome for my Membrane Switch?

The CSI engineers will work very closely with you in deciding which dome is best for your application. Typically the decision is based on the force of the dome (how soft or hard of a press it takes to actuate the dome) and is extremely subjective. CSI can mock up different sample keypads with different dome options so the customer can decide through a more “hands-on” approach.

Dome Arrays