A capacitive keypad from Mentor is composed of an interface board with intuitively
operable programming software and capacitive control membranes. The keypad can be adapted by the customer. It can be cut with scissor to create a customised control panel. A configuration tool can adapt the interface board software to meet specific requirements. The company says that ideas can be experimentally implemented and variables can be directly evaluated and adapted during the prototyping phase of a project. The capacitive membranes are available in two versions, either as polymer or silver oxide membranes. The transparent polymer membrane is suitable for design applications with possible backlight effects, whereas the silver oxide membrane is used for applications with a very high level of sensitivity to touch. Both types of membrane are available either as a matrix (8x8 keypad) or as single touch keys (2x8 keys). To fix functions, there is an adhesive layer at the front with which the membrane can be adapted to curved surfaces. Mounted under glass or plastic, the capacitive keys are protected against vandalism, erosive external influences and chemicals. They are
also insensitive to water and contamination through grease or dust.
