Custom Integrated Keypad Assemblies save time, cost and cut number of Vendors.

As engineers have less and less time and are ‘multi-tasking’ or in some cases are now crossing the discipline divide (hence the term spawned in Germany, Mechatronic, mechanical and electronics) a solution approach to front panel switching can save not only cost but time. Less time in development discussing components with various suppliers, less time through prototyping and quicker speed to market.

A ‘traditional’ build up of front panel switching unit is a tactile/non-tactile 5/6 layers flexible membrane typically mounted to a 1.6mm aluminium backing plate which is secured into the host equipment. The connection from the membrane is a flexible tail which then connects to a pin header on a daughter board which is then linked back to the mother board buried in the equipment. With this method there maybe 30 plus vendors that the design and logistics team need to liaise with. One for the membrane, one for the metal backing plate, the pcb supplier and probably twenty plus component suppliers.

A solution could be to integrate the entire design into one pcb assembly by utilising the real estate on a motherboard for the switching componentary and then using it as the backing support for a single layer adhesive overlay. No need for daughter boards, backing plates or multi layer membranes. One part number from one supplier.

The units would be supplied fully tested, with both cost and reliability benefits, avoiding any production difficulties the end customer may have marrying up the user interface with it’s associated electronics. A full project management service with design facilities is available from initial concept to full blown production.

Membrane and rubber keypads have many applications in harsh environments and where long life is needed, with switching operations running into millions of actuations. Markets served include Medical, Military, Automotive, Industrial, Retail and Consumer goods.

About Cynergistic Technologies
Cynergistic Technologies specialises in the supply of standard, modified standard or custom electro-mechanical components. Utilising industry experts and technical specialists we are one of the few true demand creators and supply fulfillment companies.

For more information contact:
Cynergistic Technologies Ltd
Cyntech House
29. Holmfirth
Scunthorpe
DN15 8DN