The newest entry into the touch arena is also the most vulnerable to electrical failure. When the in-cell technology fails, it is going to take your display with it, so it’s a double whammy on the checkbook. This happens because you must actually touch and depress the LCD surface itself, which puddles the liquid crystal and scratches the first surface. (Remember your mother telling you to keep your hands off the TV?)
Surface capacitive is the most vulnerable to electrical wear. Touching the same spot multiple times will actually wear through the thin film, down to the glass substrate, rendering it non-linear. Of course, a big scratch from a diamond ring will do-it-in quickly. And bye-bye to SAW technology when that same guy puts a big ‘ol scratch in it too.
In terms of electrical and cosmetic failures, resistive 4-wire touch screens are the most vulnerable. Touching in one place will rub a shiny spot in the hard coat of the top polyester (PET) layer. Touching in this same spot will also wear and crack the top conductive layer and leave it an electrical basket-case. The same number of touches on a 5-wire resistive will not damage it electrically; however the same glossy spot will appear.
In the end, the winners in the wear-me-out contest are projected capacitive (p-cap) and Infra-Red which work without needing to touch anything. Nothing to wear, no electrical surface to scratch and thus these two touch technologies can advertise infinite electrical life.
So Benny, as is the case with that tire, there are 10,000 mile touch screens and 1,000,000 mile touch screens, it just depends.
Until next time,
Touch Guy.
Do you have a question for Touch Guy? Send him an e-mail .at asktouchguy@touchintl.com |
