Feb 12 2010
A 6.1-inch version of Zytronic’s Projected Capacitive Technology-based ZYBRID touch sensor has been selected for use in the human-machine interface (HMI) of Bladelius Design Group AB’s flagship Embla product, a high-performance audio playback system that offers quick and simple operation at its user’s fingertips.
Embla makes use of advanced audio DSP technology to allow complete control of the timing and reading of discs. It also offers music connoisseurs silent highperformance audio playback without any moving mechanical parts when playing from its built-in flash memory. The audio system has already received widespread critical acclaim, having recently won Swedish magazine Hi-Fi & Musik’s Innovation of the Year Award and also been selected for the Collection 2009 in the UK publication, Hi-Fi Choice.
ZYBRID touch sensors are fully customisable and are based on Zytronic’s proprietary projected capacitive touch technology. Unlike most other touch technologies, PCT touch sensors have no vulnerable frontface-active components, such as conductive coatings, lenses or acoustic transducers. Instead, the sensing element comprises an array of microscopic 10ìm diameter copper capacitors located behind a durable pure glass panel, which completely protects the sensor from any day-to-day wear and tear, as well as moisture and dirt. This rear mounted matrix of micro fine conductive tracks is near-invisible when viewed against a powered display, ensuring good optical clarity and high levels of light transmission.
PCT also exhibits a number of significant advantages over infrared or surface acoustic wave technologies. It is not prone to misalignment of the sensors, through shock or vibration. Nor does it require the placing of a bezel structure around the screen, thus enabling sleek, modern pure glass fronted designs.
“We considered a wide range of touchscreen products, but the design flexibility and durability of Zytronic’s PCT stood out from the competition,” states Mike Bladelius, the company’s founder. “The key factor for us, however, was that this was the only solution that permitted us to keep to our original design concept. PCT was able to detect touch accurately, even through the 2mm acrylic overlay of the front panel. No other touch sensor could achieve this level of performance.”
According to Ian Crosby, Sales and Marketing Director at Zytronic, “Bladelius is yet another significant endorsement for us. The company has an enviable reputation for producing the highest quality audio visual equipment, so when designing a new touch-enabled user interface, Bladelius went to great lengths to select a technology capable of meeting its customers expectations of performance and reliability” He continues, “Embla’s exterior design also had to remain true to the original designers concept, and the selected touchscreen could not spoil its sleek appearance by forcing an unattractive bezel or frame on the design of the unit. ZYBRID’s unique combination of capabilities overcame these challenging criteria, and allowed Bladelius to create a touch enabled user interface for Embla without compromise.”