A membrane switch (man machine interface) is made by screen printing conductive inks in a specifically designed pattern onto a heat stabilized polyester substrate. A graphic is added to the circuit using adhesive. When a button is pressed it makes a connection with the circuit thereby communicating with the equipment or device.

More Information About Membrane Switches

If you’re looking for another explanation Wikipedia explains a membrane switch as:

A membrane switch is an electrical switch for turning a circuit on and off.  Membrane switches are user-equipment interface utilities that allow for the communication of commands from users to electronic devices. Membrane switches can be thought of as one category of interface utilities alongside touch screens, plastic keyboards, toggle switches and many other kinds of control systems. Interface utilities can be as simple as tactile switches for controlling lighting, and they can be as complicated as membrane keyboards and switch panels for use with computers.

 

 

 

 

At Telamco we build membrane switches every day. They can be simple, complex or custom built. They always control some sort of function. There are many products that you probably use often that make use of a membrane switch. Look around you. When was the last time you used a membrane switch in your home, business or vehicle?

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