What Are Metal Domes and How Do I Choose the Right One?

What are Metal Domes and How Do I Choose the Right One?

What are metal domes and how do I choose the right one for my membrane switch? This is one of the most common questions that is raised by our customers during the design process. 

So what is a metal dome?

Metal domes (metal snap domes, or tactile metal domes), made of stainless steel, are momentary switch contacts that, when used in conjunction with a PCB, flex circuit, or membrane, become normally-open tactile switches. All of the domes that CSI designs into our products are rated for at least one million cycles.

Domes typically come in the following shapes:

  • Four legged
  • Triangle
  • Round 
  • Oblong
  • Custom
 

How do I choose the right one?

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). CSI can also mock up different sample keypads with different dome options so the customer can decide through a more “hands-on” approach.

Integrating Light Guide Film Backlighting

Integrating Light Guide Film Backlighting

CSI Keyboards is a global leader in membrane switch backlighting and interface backlighting technology. CSI has over 35 years of experiencing backlighting user interfaces, from as simple as backlighting a logo to backlighting individual keys to backlighting the entire interface surface. CSI’s backlit products include: backlit human machine interfaces, backlit membrane switches, backlit elastomeric keypads and backlit panels or signage.

Why Light Guide Film?

CSI integrates Light Guide Film (or LGF) into many of our backlit keypad interfaces and membrane switches. Light Guide Film is a thin film that will direct light produced by side-firing, or right-angle, LEDs across the area that needs to be backlit. The film is placed directly below the graphic overlay and above the circuit layer so that the light will not be obstructed by any circuit traces or tactile components. This film can be cut into any pattern or shape within your switch. Multiple LGF films can also be used within one application to provide discrete backlighting to different graphic features. Different colored LEDs can be used to achieve unique lighting effects or white LEDs can be used to light different printed graphics on the overlay.

It is critical that the LEDs are properly placed on the circuit in order to adequately light the intended area. CSI will carefully evaluate the placement of these LEDs to ensure adequate light distribution and to avoid any hot spots.  

There was a time when the only way to backlight interfaces was to use standalone LEDs or EL panels. The problem with using LEDs without LGF is the creation of hot spots and uneven dispersion of light. EL panels are not only expensive, but they are not as bright as today’s LEDs. LGF is extremely thin so it can be incorporated into membrane switches that can’t exceed a certain thickness.  It can provide even backlighting across large and small areas, and for applications where the light remains on while the switch is powered.

Backlighting Membrane Switches

Backlighting Membrane Switches

Membrane Switch Backlighting

CSI Keyboards has been backlighting membrane switches, HMIs and user interfaces for over thirty five years. We’ve used backlighting techniques from the simplest LED membrane switch using a single colored LED indicator with a transparent smoked LED window (to hide LED from surface), to the most complicated multi-colored membrane keypad switch assembly. We can bring your product to life and make it truly stand out from your competition. Typical backlit designs include: backlighting keys, nomenclature, logos, perimeters, indicators, or the entire keypad.

Rubber Switch Backlighting

When it comes to elastomeric rubber keypad backlighting, CSI has the expertise to utilize and take advantage of molded silicone rubber which is an excellent conductor of light. CSI Keyboards utilizes translucent rubber, laser etching, light piping technology as some of our many techniques.

Backlighting Solutions

LEDs: LEDs are the most popular and economical method for keyboard backlighting. LEDs are most commonly used to backlight keys, icons and symbols. LEDs are also typically used as indicator lights. A combination of LEDs, Light Guide Film and proprietary CSI backlighting methods can be designed to backlight the entire surface of a user interface.

Light Guide Film (LGF): LGF is designed to evenly distribute light from top or side firing LEDs, providing bright, uniformed illumination. It also reduces the amount of LEDs needed, saving power consumption. More on light guide film technology below. CSI Keyboards uses proprietary techniques to design the light guide film so it is optimized for light redirection and reflection giving the customer the brightest possible backlighting solution. Light guide film dots are also designed and implemented which allow for the optimization of light distribution to obtain maximum brightness and uniformity. Common problems that many of our competitors face are light leakage and hot spots. CSI’s backlighting designs prevent any light leakage and hot spots from occurring, and also result in much brighter light guide film and interface.

Electroluminescence (EL): EL is applied on a very thin layer between the graphic overlay and the circuit. EL uses a printable ink deposit to illuminate the switch and provide a uniformed illumination.

Fiber Optics: Fiber Optics provide a flexible back lighting layer that can be incorporated between the graphic overlay and the circuit layer allowing the entire surface area of the membrane switch to be evenly backlit.

MD&M BIOMEDevice Tradeshow Recap

MD&M BIOMEDevice Tradeshow Recap

Considered to be New England’s biggest medtech showcase, the BIOMEDevice Boston once again did not disappoint. Whether your focus is new materials, intelligent sensors, testing solutions, components, or anything else in the medtech arena, source cutting-edge products and services in a time-saving format with more than 450 solution providers across the full spectrum of medtech manufacturing.

The 2018 MD&M BIOMEDevice Show print show at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center was full of inspiration. Boston, MA was bustling with manufacturers, medical device companies, and design houses from near and far. This was the fourth year CSI Keyboards has exhibited at the Conference. It has proven to be an excellent venue for meeting engineers from not only all around the country, but the whole world. CSI is able to showcase our wide range of products including membrane switches, rubber keypads, touch screen interfaces, and our many other user interface and HMI solutions. Being able to exhibit samples of our products allows engineers, buyers or even just the casual or curious passerby to “play” with our products hands-on. It was also great seeing many of our existing customers stop by our booth to chat and learn about some of new products and capabilities. Until next year, Boston!

Polyurethane Coating for Rubber Keypads

Polyurethane (PU) Coating for Rubber Keypads

Polyurethane (or PU) is a protective overcoat applied to rubber keypads. This clear coating provides wear resistance for very high use applications or products that are used in harsh environments. Adding the polyurethane coating to rubber keypads ruggedizes the keypad, increases abrasion resistance, adds UV resistance and prolongs the longevity of the rubber. It provides superior resistance to corrosion andchemical exposure. This particular coating is also a cost effective solution. 

PU coatings protect rubber keypads from oils, dirt, and contamination. The polyurethane may be applied in a glossy or matte finish, to meet the aesthetic requirements of the rubber keypad. The polyurethane coating is deposited on the top surface of the keypad over the printing. Polyurethane coatings are used across all industries to improve the appearance and lifespan of the materials.

Parylene Coating for Rubber Keypads

Parylene Coating for Rubber Keypads

Parylene coating is a vacuum deposited coating that improves the longevity of silicone keypad artwork by up to ten times. Unlike polyurethane coating, Parylene coating is applied as a gas. The application process allows the parylene polymers to penetrate tight areas on the part, providing a uniform coating on all surfaces. 

Parylene’s thin, transparent and flexible characteristics enhance the performance of rubber and elastomer components by protecting surfaces and modifying surface properties. These improvements are made without degrading the functional performance of the part. Parylene yields a truly conformal coated part with a consistent thickness on both flat surfaces and around the internal dimensions of openings and features. The parylene coating also tends to improve the feel of the surface by removing the elastomer tack while protecting the keyboard against dirt and oils, and also protecting the printed nomenclature.

Benefits of Parylene Coating

  • Dry film lubricity
  • Pinhole-free
  • Thoroughly conformal
  • High surface bond strength
  • Thickness consistency
  • Chemical resistance
  • Solvent resistance

Understanding IP Ratings for Keypads

Understanding IP Ratings for Keypads

What is an IP rating?

IP or (ingress protection) is the resistance offered by the fixture to the penetration of solids and liquids is indicated by the IP rating. This is a 2 digit number, the first number identifies the degree of protection against the ingress of solids and the second number against liquids e.g. IP65 indicates total protection against dust and protection against low jets of water.

 

FIRST DIGIT PROTECTION AGAINST SOLIDS

0 No Protection

1 Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm (e.g. accidental contact with hand)

2 Protected against solid objects greater than 12mm (e.g. accidental contact with finger)

3 Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm (e.g. tools and wires)

4 Protected against solid objects greater than 1mm (e.g. fine tools and wires)

5 Protected against dust

6 Total protection against dust

 

SECOND DIGIT PROTECTION AGAINST LIQUIDS

0 No Protection

1 Protection against vertical water drops (e.g. condensation)

2 Protection against direct sprays of water, up to 15° from vertical

3 Protection against direct sprays of water up to 60° from vertical

4 Protections against water spray from all directions

5 Protection against low pressure jets of water from all directions

6 Protection against jets of water of similar to heavy seas

7 Protection against immersion between 15 – 100cm

8 Protection against submersion

CSI Sealing Capabilities​

CSI Keyboards has become the go-to membrane keypad manufacturer for environmentally sealed membrane switches and rubber keypad designs. Many of CSI Keyboards’ customers require environmentally sealed switches and keypads built to last in extreme and harsh environments. CSI Keyboards has over 40 years of experience designing keypads that are completely environmentally sealed and switches that need to meet specific requirements for Water, Temperature, Humidity, Dirt, Dust, Altitude, Impact resistance, Vibration, and Chemical resistance.

Some of our technologies for environmentally sealing keypads include the Seal Frame design, rubber keypad sealing designs, copper flex circuitry, potting solutions, environmentally resistant polyester technology, and other proprietary sealing techniques. 

Please visit the Sealing section of our website for additional information or reach out directly to discuss.

Environmentally Sealed Switch

Environmentally Sealed Switch

CSI Keyboards was asked by our customer to design an environmentally sealed switch with backlight assembly that would withstand the destructive temperatures of the arctic as well as the dry heat of the desert without these extremes degrading its functionality. The reliability of these switches was paramount as they were to be used as lighting controls for temporary military field housing. 

CSI recommended an assembly consisting of a silicon rubber keypad, a Kapton etched circuit, and silicone adhesive based on the bullet points below:

· Silicone rubber is extremely durable and performs well in all temperatures.
· Etched copper circuitry on Kapton film is a more durable material than silver ink on
polyester, able to withstand moisture and extreme temperatures.
· Silicone adhesive is extremely durable and reliable regardless of extreme temperatures
or wet environments.

After approval of the proposed design, CSI produced first articles for test and qualification. These were tested to expanded temperature standards and have been qualified from +150 C down to -50 C. After test and qualification our customer went into production with our design. Over the first 2 years of production they have experienced zero field failures. If your application needs to be reliable and stable in extreme temperatures, CSI Keyboards is the supplier to partner with.

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

Parking Meter Problem Solved

Parking Meter Problem Solved!

A  customer recently contacted CSI Keyboards to help them design and manufacture a new custom tactile keypad for outdoor use. The application was a parking meter that was currently using a non-tactile capacitive switch using molded polycarbonate. The customer’s end goal was to create a keypad that had raised profile and tactile feedback with each button press, while maintaining a waterproof seal against the weather’s elements.

 

CSI presented them with a new design that used molded silicone rubber to give height to the keys, improve button feedback using tactile domes on a Kapton copper flex circuit, while also using the silicone rubber to provide a water tight seal for their parking meter. The final result was a more robust HMI that was completely waterproof, provided the user with tactile feedback, which was also outdoor weatherable by using a UV resistant coating. All of this was achieved while maintaining a sharp visual aesthetic for their parking meters. This keypad can now be seen on city streets across the country. 

What is a Membrane Switch?

What is a Membrane Switch?

Membrane Switch

A membrane switch is an interface between user and machine, enabling an operator to communicate with equipment, instrumentation, or machinery. A membrane switch is a printed electronic circuit that uses pressure to open and close a circuit. The membrane switch circuitry is most often screen printed using conductive inks which are typically made of silver or carbon. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Silicone Elastomeric 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.

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

Silver Flexible Membrane Switches

Silver Flex membrane switch panels utilize screen-printed silver and carbon conductive inks printed on flexible polyester layers separated by an adhesive spacer. This is the most common design used in flexible, custom membrane keypads, offering a slim, space-saving design.

Silver Flexible circuity is also more cost-effective when compared to electromechanical switch assemblies and the process of screen-printing conductive silver inks onto a flexible, film substrate poses less potential threat to the environment compared to chemically etched copper.

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

  • Tactile and non-tactile with either metal or polyester tactile domes
  • Embedded LED’s
  • Fiber Optic backlighting
  • EL (Electroluminescent) backlighting
  • Rigid backers such as aluminum and FR4
  • EMI/RFI shielding
  • Standard connectors on .100″ centers, or prepared for ZIF connections
 

Additionally, a Silver Flex membrane switch uses a graphic overlay, which also has a number of design options:

  • Digital printing, screen-printing, or a combination of both
  • Pillow or rim embossing
  • Transparent and/or tinted display windows
  • Selective textures
  • UV hard-coat surface finishes
Membrane Switch
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

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.

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 
CSI Keyboards PCBA Rubber Keypad