Touch Sensors: Types, Applications and Selection Tips

A touch sensor is a device which responds to touch, gestures or pressure, allowing it to detect physical contact or proximity to a surface. Common applications of touch sensors are touchscreens, control panels and input devices, allowing users to interact with electronics devices using touch and gestures such as tapping, swiping and zooming.

There are a number of different types of touch sensors available on the market based on different working principles:

  1. Resistive touch sensor
  2. Capacitive touch sensor
  3. Infrared touch sensor
  4. Ultrasonic touch sensor
  5. Optical touch sensor
  6. Hover touch sensor

Resistive Touch Sensor

Resistive touch sensors consist of two thin conductive layers and a non-conductive separator between them. Whenever there is a touch, a small amount of pressure is exerted onto the contacted layer which causes the resistance between the layers to change. These sensors detect the point of contact by measuring the changes in resistance between two conductive layers. This change is captured by the sensor’s controller.

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Key Properties of Resistive Touch Sensors

  • They have a relatively simple structure, usually consisting of two layers of glass or thin film materials.
  • Since detection is based on physical touch and pressure, they are not affected by surface contamination.
  • They are less susceptible to interference from nearby electrical circuits as they depend on physical contact rather than conductivity.
  • They do not require large amounts of power, resulting in lower energy consumption.
  • Resistive sensors are typically limited to single-point detection, unlike capacitive sensors, which support multi-touch.
  • Most resistive sensors only support single-touch input, though advanced versions can offer limited multi-touch functionality.

Applications of Resistive Touch Sensors

  • Industrial Control Panels: As resistive touch sensors are not affected by contaminants, they can be used in harsh and rugged environments.

  • ATMs and Point of Sales (POS) systems: In older ATM touchscreens and POS systems where priority is given to ease of input (like fingers, gloves, styluses) and durability, these sensors are commonly used.

  • Medical: These sensors are used in medical instruments which should be easy to clean and can be operated with gloves, and where durability is a major concerns.

  • Kiosks and Public Terminals: These sensors can be used in places like self-service kiosks where users may input data with different objects and under different conditions.

Resistive Touch Sensors available with DigiKey
DK Part # Mfr Part #
1738-SEN0294-ND SEN0294
1027-1000-ND 30-49649
1027-1001-ND 30-81794
1027-1002-ND 30-73258
1027-1014-ND 34-00004
1027-1018-ND 34-00015
1027-1003-ND 30-61710
1738-SEN0297-ND SEN0297
1027-1034-ND 34-00065
1027-1028-ND 34-00068
1027-1029-ND 34-00069
1027-1033-ND 34-00073
1027-1024-ND 34-00022
1027-1025-ND 30-72718
2521-IS32SE5117A-QWLA3-TR-ND,2521-IS32SE5117A-QWLA3-TRCT-ND,2521-IS32SE5117A-QWLA3-TRDKR-ND IS32SE5117A-QWLA3-TR
1738-SEN0293-ND SEN0293
1738-SEN0296-ND SEN0296
1027-1031-ND 34-00071
1027-1035-ND 54-00045
1027-1032-ND 34-00072
1738-SEN0295-ND SEN0295
1027-1030-ND 34-00070
1738-SEN0298-ND SEN0298
1738-SEN0299-ND SEN0299
1528-2335-ND 166
SEN-14696-ND SEN-14696
1027-1011-ND 54-00031
1027-1010-ND 54-00030
54-00055-ND 54-00055

Capacitive Touch Sensors

Capacitive touch sensors utilize the change in capacitance whenever there is a touch on the sensor’s surface. When a conductive object such as a finger comes close enough to or contacts the surface of the sensor, its electric field is interrupted which results in a readable change in capacitance. Unlike resistive touch sensors, capacitive sensors do not rely on physical pressure.

There are two types of capacitive touch sensors; one is surface capacitive and the other is projected capacitive (P-Cap). A surface capacitive device is a basic capacitive touch sensor with lower resolution and no multi-touch support. A projected capacitive touch sensor is an advanced version which has multiple conductive layers of electrodes and offers high resolution, multi-touch capability and greater accuracy.

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Key Properties of Capacitive Touch Sensors

  • Most capacitive touch sensors support multi-touch and various gestures such as swiping, zooming and rotating simultaneously using multiple fingers.

  • They do not require physical pressure, and the user can operate them with only a gentle touch which contributes to higher sensitivity.

  • Due to their lack of mechanical structures, transparency, and thinness, capacitive touch sensors better enable lightweight and slim design of devices.

  • The use of solid glass or plastic surfaces makes capacitive touch sensors durable and resistant to scratches, offering a longer lifespan compared to resistive sensors.

Applications of Capacitive Touch Sensors

  • Because of their multi-touch capability, they are used in smartphones, tablets, and touchscreen laptops.

  • Used in infotainment systems such as car control panel systems for sleek touch-based controls for audio and temperature controls.

  • They can be used in Point of Sale (POS) systems for quick and easy touch-based transactions.

  • They are suitable for operations utilizing handwriting and styluses, enabling writing and drawing on corresponding devices.

Capacitive Touch Sensors available with DigiKey
DK Part # Mfr Part #
1790-IQS228B00000000TSRTR-ND,1790-IQS228B00000000TSRCT-ND,1790-IQS228B00000000TSRDKR-ND IQS228B00000000TSR
AT42QT1010-TSHRTR-ND,AT42QT1010-TSHRCT-ND,AT42QT1010-TSHRDKR-ND AT42QT1010-TSHR
AT42QT1012-TSHRTR-ND,AT42QT1012-TSHRCT-ND,AT42QT1012-TSHRDKR-ND AT42QT1012-TSHR
AT42QT1011-TSHRTR-ND,AT42QT1011-TSHRCT-ND,AT42QT1011-TSHRDKR-ND AT42QT1011-TSHR
CAP1293-1-SN-TR-ND,CAP1293-1-SN-CT-ND,CAP1293-1-SN-DKR-ND CAP1293-1-SN-TR
CAP1293-1-AC3-TRTR-ND,CAP1293-1-AC3-TRCT-ND,CAP1293-1-AC3-TRDKR-ND CAP1293-1-AC3-TR
CAP1298-1-A4-TRTR-ND,CAP1298-1-A4-TRCT-ND,CAP1298-1-A4-TRDKR-ND CAP1298-1-A4-TR
AT42QT1070-SSURTR-ND,AT42QT1070-SSURCT-ND,AT42QT1070-SSURDKR-ND AT42QT1070-SSUR
MTCH108T-I/SSTR-ND,MTCH108T-I/SSCT-ND,MTCH108T-I/SSDKR-ND MTCH108T-I/SS
150-AT42QT1070-MMHRTR-ND,150-AT42QT1070-MMHRCT-ND,AT42QT1070-MMHCT-ND,150-AT42QT1070-MMHRDKR-ND,AT42QT1070-MMHDKR-ND AT42QT1070-MMHR
CAP1188-1-CP-TR-ND,CAP1188-1-CP-TRCT-ND,CAP1188-1-CP-TRDKR-ND CAP1188-1-CP-TR
AT42QT1110-AURTR-ND,AT42QT1110-AURCT-ND,AT42QT1110-AURDKR-ND AT42QT1110-AUR
AT42QT1110-MURTR-ND,AT42QT1110-MURCT-ND,AT42QT1110-MURDKR-ND AT42QT1110-MUR
CAP1114-1-EZK-TR-ND,CAP1114-1-EZK-CT-ND,CAP1114-1-EZK-DKR-ND CAP1114-1-EZK-TR
150-AT42QT1040-MMHRTR-ND,150-AT42QT1040-MMHRCT-ND,150-AT42QT1040-MMHRDKR-ND AT42QT1040-MMHR
427-1125-2-ND,427-1125-1-ND,427-1125-6-ND QT60160-ISG
448-CY8CMBR3108-LQXITTR-ND,448-CY8CMBR3108-LQXITCT-ND,448-CY8CMBR3108-LQXITDKR-ND CY8CMBR3108-LQXIT
AT42QT1060-MMURTR-ND,AT42QT1060-MMURCT-ND,AT42QT1060-MMURDKR-ND AT42QT1060-MMUR
448-CY8CMBR3116-LQXITTR-ND,448-CY8CMBR3116-LQXITCT-ND,448-CY8CMBR3116-LQXITDKR-ND CY8CMBR3116-LQXIT
427-1126-2-ND,427-1126-1-ND,427-1126-6-ND QT60240-ISG
296-48544-2-ND,296-48544-1-ND,296-48544-6-ND FDC1004DGSR
427-1107-ND QT60168-ASG
427-1109-ND QT60326-ASG
MTCH101-I/OT-ND MTCH101-I/OT
AT42QT1050-MMHRTR-ND,1611-AT42QT1050-MMHRCT-ND,AT42QT1050-MMHRCT-ND,AT42QT1050-MMHRDKR-ND AT42QT1050-MMHR
1790-IQS231B00000000TSRTR-ND,1790-IQS231B00000000TSRCT-ND,1790-IQS231B00000000TSRDKR-ND IQS231B00000000TSR
150-MTCH1010T-V/SNTR-ND,150-MTCH1010T-V/SNCT-ND,150-MTCH1010T-V/SNDKR-ND MTCH1010T-V/SN
CAP1203-1-SN-ND CAP1203-1-SN
CAP1203-1-SN-TR-ND,CAP1203-1-SN-CT-ND,CAP1203-1-SN-DKR-ND CAP1203-1-SN-TR
CAP1203-1-AC3-TRTR-ND,CAP1203-1-AC3-TRCT-ND,CAP1203-1-AC3-TRDKR-ND CAP1203-1-AC3-TR
AT42QT1011-MAHRTR-ND,AT42QT1011-MAHRCT-ND,AT42QT1011-MAHRDKR-ND AT42QT1011-MAHR
AT42QT1010-MAHRTR-ND,AT42QT1010-MAHRCT-ND,AT42QT1010-MAHRDKR-ND AT42QT1010-MAHR
CAP1206-1-SL-TR-ND,CAP1206-1-SL-CT-ND,CAP1206-1-SL-DKR-ND CAP1206-1-SL-TR
MTCH102-I/MS-ND MTCH102-I/MS
CAP1206-1-AIA-TRTR-ND,CAP1206-1-AIA-TRCT-ND,CAP1206-1-AIA-TRDKR-ND CAP1206-1-AIA-TR
MTCH102T-I/MSTR-ND,MTCH102T-I/MSCT-ND,MTCH102T-I/MSDKR-ND MTCH102T-I/MS
1790-IQS323001DNRTR-ND,1790-IQS323001DNRCT-ND,1790-IQS323001DNRDKR-ND IQS323001DNR
150-MTCH1060-I/REB-ND MTCH1060-I/REB
CAP1106-1-AIA-TR-ND,CAP1106-1-AIA-TRCT-ND,CAP1106-1-AIA-TRDKR-ND CAP1106-1-AIA-TR
150-MTCH1060-I/SS-ND MTCH1060-I/SS
MTCH105-I/ST-ND MTCH105-I/ST
150-CAP1298-1-SL-ND CAP1298-1-SL
1790-IQS7222C101QNRTR-ND,1790-IQS7222C101QNRCT-ND,1790-IQS7222C101QNRDKR-ND IQS7222C101QNR
1790-IQS7222A001QNRTR-ND,1790-IQS7222A001QNRCT-ND,1790-IQS7222A001QNRDKR-ND IQS7222A001QNR
150-CAP1298-1-SL-TR-ND,150-CAP1298-1-SL-TRCT-ND,150-CAP1298-1-SL-TRDKR-ND CAP1298-1-SL-TR
CAP1126-1-AP-TR-ND,CAP1126-1-AP-CT-ND,CAP1126-1-AP-DKR-ND CAP1126-1-AP-TR
AT42QT1050-MMH-ND AT42QT1050-MMH
AT42QT1245-AURTR-ND,1611-AT42QT1245-AURCT-ND,AT42QT1245-AURCT-ND,AT42QT1245-AURDKR-ND AT42QT1245-AUR
AT42QT2120-SU-ND AT42QT2120-SU
AT42QT2120-MMH-ND AT42QT2120-MMH
AT42QT2120-MMHRTR-ND,AT42QT2120-MMHRCT-ND,AT42QT2120-MMHRDKR-ND AT42QT2120-MMHR
AT42QT2120-XU-ND AT42QT2120-XU
AT42QT2120-XURTR-ND,AT42QT2120-XURCT-ND,AT42QT2120-XURDKR-ND AT42QT2120-XUR
448-CY8CMBR3108-LQXI-ND CY8CMBR3108-LQXI
448-CY8CMBR3116-LQXI-ND CY8CMBR3116-LQXI
AT42QT2100-MURTR-ND,AT42QT2100-MURCT-ND,AT42QT2100-MURDKR-ND AT42QT2100-MUR
CAP1214-1-EZK-TR-ND,CAP1214-1-EZK-TRCT-ND,CAP1214-1-EZK-TRDKR-ND CAP1214-1-EZK-TR
AT42QT2160-MMURTR-ND,AT42QT2160-MMURCT-ND,AT42QT2160-MMURDKR-ND AT42QT2160-MMUR
448-CY8CMBR2044-24LKXITTR-ND,448-CY8CMBR2044-24LKXITCT-ND,448-CY8CMBR2044-24LKXITDKR-ND CY8CMBR2044-24LKXIT
296-44527-2-ND,296-44527-1-ND,296-44527-6-ND,2156-FDC2214QRGHRQ1-ND FDC2214QRGHRQ1
296-42334-2-ND,296-42334-1-ND,296-42334-6-ND,2156-FDC1004QDGSRQ1-ND FDC1004QDGSRQ1
296-46090-2-ND,296-46090-1-ND,296-46090-6-ND,2156-FDC1004DSCR-ND FDC1004DSCR
150-AT42QT1012-MAHRTR-ND,150-AT42QT1012-MAHRCT-ND,AT42QT1012-MAHRCT-ND,AT42QT1012-MAHRDKR-ND AT42QT1012-MAHR
CAP1296-1-AIA-TRTR-ND,CAP1296-1-AIA-TRCT-ND,CAP1296-1-AIA-TRDKR-ND CAP1296-1-AIA-TR
CAP1133-1-AIA-TR-ND,CAP1133-1-AIA-TRCT-ND,CAP1133-1-AIA-TRDKR-ND CAP1133-1-AIA-TR
CAP1208-1-SL-TR-ND,CAP1208-1-SL-CT-ND,CAP1208-1-SL-DKR-ND CAP1208-1-SL-TR
MTCH105-I/ML-ND MTCH105-I/ML
MTCH105T-I/STTR-ND,MTCH105T-I/STCT-ND,MTCH105T-I/STDKR-ND MTCH105T-I/ST
CAP1208-1-A4-TRTR-ND,CAP1208-1-A4-TRCT-ND,CAP1208-1-A4-TRDKR-ND CAP1208-1-A4-TR
150-MTCH105T-I/MLTR-ND,150-MTCH105T-I/MLCT-ND,150-MTCH105T-I/MLDKR-ND MTCH105T-I/ML
1790-IQS7222A001CSRTR-ND,1790-IQS7222A001CSRCT-ND,1790-IQS7222A001CSRDKR-ND IQS7222A001CSR
MTCH108-I/SS-ND MTCH108-I/SS
CAP1166-1-BP-TR-ND,CAP1166-1-BP-CT-ND,CAP1166-1-BP-DKR-ND CAP1166-1-BP-TR
AT42QT2120-SURTR-ND,AT42QT2120-SURCT-ND,AT42QT2120-SURDKR-ND AT42QT2120-SUR
448-CY8CMBR3102-SX1ITTR-ND,448-CY8CMBR3102-SX1ITCT-ND,448-CY8CMBR3102-SX1ITDKR-ND CY8CMBR3102-SX1IT
448-CY8CMBR3106S-LQXI-ND CY8CMBR3106S-LQXI
448-CY8CMBR3002-SX1ITTR-ND,448-CY8CMBR3002-SX1ITCT-ND,448-CY8CMBR3002-SX1ITDKR-ND CY8CMBR3002-SX1IT
448-CY8CMBR3110-SX2ITTR-ND,448-CY8CMBR3110-SX2ITCT-ND,448-CY8CMBR3110-SX2ITDKR-ND CY8CMBR3110-SX2IT
448-CY8CMBR3110-SX2I-ND CY8CMBR3110-SX2I
448-CY8C20110-SX2I-ND CY8C20110-SX2I
AT42QT1245-AU-ND AT42QT1245-AU
559-ZSSC3230BI3WTR-ND,559-ZSSC3230BI3WCT-ND,559-ZSSC3230BI3WDKR-ND ZSSC3230BI3W
1790-IQS7222C101CSRTR-ND,1790-IQS7222C101CSRCT-ND,1790-IQS7222C101CSRDKR-ND IQS7222C101CSR
MTCH108-I/GZ-ND MTCH108-I/GZ
2521-IS31SE5118-ZNLS3-TR-ND,2521-IS31SE5118-ZNLS3-TRCT-ND,2521-IS31SE5118-ZNLS3-TRDKR-ND IS31SE5118-ZNLS3-TR
1790-IQS7225A001QNRTR-ND,1790-IQS7225A001QNRCT-ND,1790-IQS7225A001QNRDKR-ND IQS7225A001QNR
LDS6124NQGI-ND LDS6124NQGI
2521-IS31SE5114-LQLS3-ND IS31SE5114-LQLS3
CY8CMBR2044-24LKXI-ND CY8CMBR2044-24LKXI
2832-CY8CMBR2110-24LQXI-ND,CY8CMBR2110-24LQXI-ND CY8CMBR2110-24LQXI
AT42QT1244-MU-ND AT42QT1244-MU
CY8CMBR2016-24LQXI-ND CY8CMBR2016-24LQXI
AT42QT1481-AU-ND AT42QT1481-AU
AT42QT2640-AU-ND AT42QT2640-AU
1790-IQS231B00000000CSRTR-ND,1790-IQS231B00000000CSRCT-ND,1790-IQS231B00000000CSRDKR-ND IQS231B00000000CSR
1790-IQS227D00000000DNRTR-ND,1790-IQS227D00000000DNRCT-ND,1790-IQS227D00000000DNRDKR-ND IQS227D00000000DNR
1790-IQS211B00000000DNRTR-ND,1790-IQS211B00000000DNRCT-ND,1790-IQS211B00000000DNRDKR-ND IQS211B00000000DNR
1790-IQS228D00000000DNRTR-ND,1790-IQS228D00000000DNRCT-ND,1790-IQS228D00000000DNRDKR-ND IQS228D00000000DNR
1790-IQS318100QFRTR-ND,1790-IQS318100QFRCT-ND,1790-IQS318100QFRDKR-ND IQS318100QFR
1790-IQS318101QFRTR-ND,1790-IQS318101QFRCT-ND,1790-IQS318101QFRDKR-ND IQS318101QFR
1790-IQS323001CSRTR-ND,1790-IQS323001CSRCT-ND,1790-IQS323001CSRDKR-ND IQS323001CSR
150-MTCH1030T-I/MGTR-ND,150-MTCH1030T-I/MGCT-ND,150-MTCH1030T-I/MGDKR-ND MTCH1030T-I/MG
1790-IQS7223C001CSRTR-ND,1790-IQS7223C001CSRCT-ND,1790-IQS7223C001CSRDKR-ND IQS7223C001CSR
150-MTCH1060T-I/REBTR-ND,150-MTCH1060T-I/REBCT-ND,150-MTCH1060T-I/REBDKR-ND MTCH1060T-I/REB
150-MTCH1030T-E/MGTR-ND,150-MTCH1030T-E/MGCT-ND,150-MTCH1030T-E/MGDKR-ND MTCH1030T-E/MG
150-MTCH1030-E/ST-ND MTCH1030-E/ST
1790-IQS7211E001QNRTR-ND,1790-IQS7211E001QNRCT-ND,1790-IQS7211E001QNRDKR-ND IQS7211E001QNR
150-MTCH1060-E/REB-ND MTCH1060-E/REB
CAP1208-1-SL-ND CAP1208-1-SL
1790-IQS323001QFRTR-ND,1790-IQS323001QFRCT-ND,1790-IQS323001QFRDKR-ND IQS323001QFR
2521-IS31SE5117A-QFLS3-TR-ND,2521-IS31SE5117A-QFLS3-TRCT-ND,2521-IS31SE5117A-QFLS3-TRDKR-ND IS31SE5117A-QFLS3-TR
2521-IS31SE5118A-ZNLS3-TR-ND,2521-IS31SE5118A-ZNLS3-TRCT-ND,2521-IS31SE5118A-ZNLS3-TRDKR-ND IS31SE5118A-ZNLS3-TR
2521-IS31SE5118A-QFLS3-TR-ND,2521-IS31SE5118A-QFLS3-TRCT-ND,2521-IS31SE5118A-QFLS3-TRDKR-ND IS31SE5118A-QFLS3-TR
448-CY8CMBR3102-SX1I-ND CY8CMBR3102-SX1I
2521-IS32SE5118-QWLA3-TR-ND,2521-IS32SE5118-QWLA3-TRCT-ND,2521-IS32SE5118-QWLA3-TRDKR-ND IS32SE5118-QWLA3-TR
2521-IS32SE5120A-QWLA3-TR-ND,2521-IS32SE5120A-QWLA3-TRCT-ND,2521-IS32SE5120A-QWLA3-TRDKR-ND IS32SE5120A-QWLA3-TR
2521-IS31SE5120A-QFLS3-TR-ND,2521-IS31SE5120A-QFLS3-TRCT-ND,2521-IS31SE5120A-QFLS3-TRDKR-ND IS31SE5120A-QFLS3-TR
2156-SCT1008CMT3R2G-ND SCT1008CMT3R2G
MTCH102T-I/MUTR-ND,MTCH102T-I/MUCT-ND,MTCH102T-I/MUDKR-ND MTCH102T-I/MU
2832-CY8C20121-SX1I-ND CY8C20121-SX1I
2156-CY8C201A0-LDX2IKL-ND CY8C201A0-LDX2IKL
2156-CY8C201A0-SX21-ND CY8C201A0-SX21
FDC1004DSCJ-ND,2156-FDC1004DSCJ-ND FDC1004DSCJ
ATMXT112S-MAURTR-ND,ATMXT112S-MAURCT-ND,1611-ATMXT112S-MAURCT-ND,ATMXT112S-MAURDKR-ND ATMXT112S-MAUR
2156-LC71F7001VB-0-TLM-H-ND LC71F7001VB-0-TLM-H
2156-AT42QT2160-MMU-ND AT42QT2160-MMU
2156-LC71F7001VB-1-TLM-H-ND LC71F7001VB-1-TLM-H
2156-LC71F7001VB-3-TLM-H-ND LC71F7001VB-3-TLM-H
2156-LC71F7001VB-2-TLM-H-ND LC71F7001VB-2-TLM-H
2156-MPR083EJ-ND MPR083EJ
2156-MPR083Q-ND MPR083Q
2156-MPR084EJ-ND MPR084EJ
FDC2114RGHR-ND,2156-FDC2114RGHR-ND FDC2114RGHR
FDC2214RGHR-ND,2156-FDC2214RGHR-ND FDC2214RGHR
505-MAX22520GWP±ND MAX22520GWP+
2832-CY8CMBR3102-SX1I-ND CY8CMBR3102-SX1I
2156-CY8CMBR3150-LQXI-428-ND CY8CMBR3150-LQXI
2156-CY8CMBR3116-LQXI-ND CY8CMBR3116-LQXI
2156-LC71F7001VB-0-TLM-H-488-ND LC71F7001VB-0-TLM-H
2156-CY8CMBR2044-24LKXI-ND CY8CMBR2044-24LKXI
2156-LC71F7001PVBS0-TLM-H-488-ND LC71F7001PVBS0-TLM-H
2832-CY8CMBR3108-LQXI-ND CY8CMBR3108-LQXI
2156-FDC2214QRGHTQ1-296-ND FDC2214QRGHTQ1
MTCH101T-I/OTTR-ND,MTCH101T-I/OTCT-ND,MTCH101T-I/OTDKR-ND MTCH101T-I/OT
1790-IQS211B00000000TSRTR-ND,1790-IQS211B00000000TSRCT-ND,1790-IQS211B00000000TSRDKR-ND IQS211B00000000TSR
CAP1293-1-SN-ND CAP1293-1-SN
CAP1206-1-SL-ND CAP1206-1-SL
CAP1296-1-SL-ND CAP1296-1-SL
150-MTCH1030-I/MG-ND MTCH1030-I/MG
1790-IQS7222D001QNRTR-ND,1790-IQS7222D001QNRCT-ND,1790-IQS7222D001QNRDKR-ND IQS7222D001QNR
150-MTCH1010-V/SN-ND MTCH1010-V/SN
448-CY8CMBR3002-SX1I-ND CY8CMBR3002-SX1I
448-CY8CMBR3106S-LQXITTR-ND,448-CY8CMBR3106S-LQXITCT-ND,448-CY8CMBR3106S-LQXITDKR-ND CY8CMBR3106S-LQXIT
150-MTCH1030-I/ST-ND MTCH1030-I/ST
150-MTCH1030T-I/STTR-ND,150-MTCH1030T-I/STCT-ND,150-MTCH1030T-I/STDKR-ND MTCH1030T-I/ST
150-MTCH1030-E/MG-ND MTCH1030-E/MG
150-MTCH1030T-E/STTR-ND,150-MTCH1030T-E/STCT-ND,150-MTCH1030T-E/STDKR-ND MTCH1030T-E/ST
150-MTCH1060T-I/SSTR-ND,150-MTCH1060T-I/SSCT-ND,150-MTCH1060T-I/SSDKR-ND MTCH1060T-I/SS
150-MTCH1060T-E/REBTR-ND,150-MTCH1060T-E/REBCT-ND,150-MTCH1060T-E/REBDKR-ND MTCH1060T-E/REB
150-MTCH1060-E/SS-ND MTCH1060-E/SS
150-MTCH1060T-E/SSTR-ND,150-MTCH1060T-E/SSCT-ND,150-MTCH1060T-E/SSDKR-ND MTCH1060T-E/SS
1790-IQS7223C001QNRTR-ND,1790-IQS7223C001QNRCT-ND,1790-IQS7223C001QNRDKR-ND IQS7223C001QNR
1790-IQS9150-001QFRCTINACTIVE-ND,1790-IQS9150-001QFRDKRINACTIVE-ND,1790-IQS9150-001QFR-ND IQS9150-001QFR
1790-IQS227B00000000CSRTR-ND IQS227B00000000CSR
1790-IQS228B00000000CSRTR-ND IQS228B00000000CSR
1790-IQS211B00050000CSRTR-ND IQS211B00050000CSR
1790-IQS211B00050000TSRTR-ND IQS211B00050000TSR
1790-IQS211B00060000CSRTR-ND IQS211B00060000CSR
1790-IQS227B00400008TSRTR-ND IQS227B00400008TSR
1790-IQS211B00060000TSRTR-ND IQS211B00060000TSR
1790-IQS227B00000000TSRTR-ND IQS227B00000000TSR
1790-IQS228B00000000DNRTR-ND IQS228B00000000DNR
1790-IQS227D00400008DNRTR-ND IQS227D00400008DNR
1790-IQS211B00050000DNRTR-ND IQS211B00050000DNR
1790-IQS211B00060000DNRTR-ND IQS211B00060000DNR
1790-IQS319002CSRTR-ND IQS319002CSR
1790-IQS227B00000000DNRTR-ND IQS227B00000000DNR
1790-IQS320001DNRTR-ND IQS320001DNR
1790-IQS323A01DNRTR-ND IQS323A01DNR
1790-IQS7223C001QFRTR-ND IQS7223C001QFR
1790-IQS7222C202QFRTR-ND IQS7222C202QFR
1790-IQS7222C201QFRTR-ND IQS7222C201QFR
1790-IQS7222D001CSRTR-ND IQS7222D001CSR
1790-IQS7222A102QFRTR-ND IQS7222A102QFR
1790-IQS7222D001QFRTR-ND IQS7222D001QFR
1790-IQS7211E001CSRTR-ND IQS7211E001CSR
1790-IQS7225A101QNRTR-ND IQS7225A101QNR
1790-IQS7225A101QFRTR-ND IQS7225A101QFR
1790-IQS7211E001QFRTR-ND IQS7211E001QFR
AT42QT1050-UURTR-ND,1611-AT42QT1050-UURCT-ND,AT42QT1050-UURCT-ND,AT42QT1050-UURDKR-ND AT42QT1050-UUR
1790-IQS211B00000000CSRTR-ND,1790-IQS211B00000000CSRCT-ND IQS211B00000000CSR
1790-IQS318101CSRTR-ND,1790-IQS318101CSRCT-ND,1790-IQS318101CSRDKR-ND IQS318101CSR
1790-IQS318501CSRTR-ND,1790-IQS318501CSRCT-ND,1790-IQS318501CSRDKR-ND IQS318501CSR
2521-IS32SE5118A-ZNLA3-TR-ND IS32SE5118A-ZNLA3-TR
2521-IS32SE5118A-QWLA3-TR-ND IS32SE5118A-QWLA3-TR
CAP1296-1-SL-TR-ND CAP1296-1-SL-TR
2651-EM6420V1WP10ETR-ND EM6420V1WP10E
559-R7F100T7E3G00CNP#HA0TR-ND R7F100T7E3G00CNP#HA0
559-R7F100T7E3G00CNP#BA0-ND R7F100T7E3G00CNP#BA0
559-R7F100T8E3G00CLA#HC0TR-ND R7F100T8E3G00CLA#HC0
559-R7F100T8E3G00CLA#BC0-ND R7F100T8E3G00CLA#BC0
559-R7F100TBE3G00CNP#BA0-ND R7F100TBE3G00CNP#BA0
559-R7F100TBE3G00CNP#HA0TR-ND R7F100TBE3G00CNP#HA0
559-R7F100TBE3G00CFP#HA0TR-ND R7F100TBE3G00CFP#HA0
559-R7F100TBE3G00CFP#BA0-ND R7F100TBE3G00CFP#BA0
MTCH108T-I/GZ-ND MTCH108T-I/GZ
559-R7F100TEE3G00CNP#HA0TR-ND R7F100TEE3G00CNP#HA0
559-R7F100TEE3G00CNP#BA0-ND R7F100TEE3G00CNP#BA0
336-3473-ND CPT007B-A01-GM
559-R7F100TGE3G00CFB#BA0-ND R7F100TGE3G00CFB#BA0
559-R7F100TGE3G00CNP#BA0-ND R7F100TGE3G00CNP#BA0
559-R7F100TGE3G00CFB#HA0TR-ND R7F100TGE3G00CFB#HA0
559-R7F100TGE3G00CNP#HA0TR-ND R7F100TGE3G00CNP#HA0
2651-EM6420V4LF40D+TR-ND EM6420V4LF40D+
CAP1128-1-BP-TR-ND,CAP1128-1-BP-TRCT-ND,CAP1128-1-BP-TRDKR-ND CAP1128-1-BP-TR
AT42QT1244-AURTR-ND,AT42QT1244-AURCT-ND,1611-AT42QT1244-AURCT-ND,AT42QT1244-AURDKR-ND AT42QT1244-AUR
AT42QT1245-MURTR-ND,AT42QT1245-MURCT-ND,1611-AT42QT1245-MURCT-ND,AT42QT1245-MURDKR-ND AT42QT1245-MUR
CY8C20110-LDX2IT-ND CY8C20110-LDX2IT
CY8C20110-SX2IT-ND CY8C20110-SX2IT
448-CY8C20110-LDX2I-ND CY8C20110-LDX2I
2651-EM6420V1LF40D+TR-ND EM6420V1LF40D+
AT42QT1110-MZTR-ND,AT42QT1110-MZCT-ND,AT42QT1110-MZDKR-ND AT42QT1110-MZ
AT42QT1110-AZTR-ND,AT42QT1110-AZCT-ND,AT42QT1110-AZDKR-ND AT42QT1110-AZ
FDC2112DNTR-ND FDC2112DNTR
CY8CMBR2110-24LQXIT-ND CY8CMBR2110-24LQXIT
559-R7F100TGE3G00CFB#AA0-ND R7F100TGE3G00CFB#AA0
AT42QT1244-AU-ND AT42QT1244-AU
AT42QT1245-MU-ND AT42QT1245-MU
FDC2212DNTR-ND FDC2212DNTR
448-CY8CMBR2016-24LQXITTR-ND CY8CMBR2016-24LQXIT
ATMXT336S-MAURTR-ND,ATMXT336S-MAURCT-ND,ATMXT336S-MAURDKR-ND ATMXT336S-MAUR
AT42QT1244-MURTR-ND,AT42QT1244-MURCT-ND,AT42QT1244-MURDKR-ND AT42QT1244-MUR
505-MAX22520GWP+TTR-ND MAX22520GWP+T
AT42QT1481-AN-ND AT42QT1481-AN
QT60168C-ASGTR-ND,QT60168C-ASGCT-ND,QT60168C-ASGDKR-ND QT60168C-ASG
AT42QT1481-AURTR-ND,AT42QT1481-AURCT-ND,AT42QT1481-AURDKR-ND AT42QT1481-AUR
AT42QT1481-ANRTR-ND,AT42QT1481-ANRCT-ND,AT42QT1481-ANRDKR-ND AT42QT1481-ANR
ATMXT768E-ABRTR-ND,ATMXT768E-ABRCT-ND,ATMXT768E-ABRDKR-ND ATMXT768E-ABR
AT42QT2640-AURTR-ND,AT42QT2640-AURCT-ND,AT42QT2640-AURDKR-ND AT42QT2640-AUR
ATMXT1664S1-CURTR-ND,ATMXT1664S1-CURCT-ND,ATMXT1664S1-CURDKR-ND ATMXT1664S1-CUR
427-1140-ND AT42QT2160-MMU
LDS6104NQGI-ND LDS6104NQGI
800-2017-2-ND LDS6104NQGI8
ATMXT224E-MAHR-ND ATMXT224E-MAHR
CAP1006-1-AIA-TR-ND CAP1006-1-AIA-TR
CAP1166-1-BP-TR-DCC-ND CAP1166-1-BP-TR-DCC
ATMXT224S-MAUR-ND ATMXT224S-MAUR
ATMXT224S-CCUR-ND ATMXT224S-CCUR
ATMXT224SL-MAHR-ND ATMXT224SL-MAHR
SX8660I06ZULT-ND SX8660I06ZULT
2521-IS32SE5118-ZNLA3-TR-ND IS32SE5118-ZNLA3-TR
GH7913-ND TE-M32M1-A11C
GH7914-ND TE-M32M2-A11C
GH7912-ND TE-M32M2-A11U
Z13246-ND W7ED-12F
Z13247-ND W7ED-11L
Z13245-ND W7ED-11F
Z13248-ND W7ED-12L
GH7911-ND TE-M32M1-A11U
1738-SEN0437-ND SEN0437
2330-KT5150-ND KT5150
2330-KT5151-ND KT5151
2330-KT5110-ND KT5110
2330-KT5111-ND KT5111
2330-KT5102-ND KT5102
2330-KT5106-ND KT5106
136-TE-M32M5-A11U-ND TE-M32M5-A11U
136-TE-M32M4-A11U-ND TE-M32M4-A11U
136-TE-M32M3-A21C-ND TE-M32M3-A21C
136-TE-M32M3-A11C-ND TE-M32M3-A11C
136-TE-M32M3-A11U-ND TE-M32M3-A11U
136-TE-M32M4-A11C-ND TE-M32M4-A11C
136-TE-M32M5-A11C-ND TE-M32M5-A11C
136-TE-M32M3-A12C-ND TE-M32M3-A12C
136-TE-M32M2-A12C-ND TE-M32M2-A12C
136-TE-M32M5-A12C-ND TE-M32M5-A12C
136-TE-M32M1-A12U-ND TE-M32M1-A12U
136-TE-M32M1-A12C-ND TE-M32M1-A12C
136-TE-M32M4-A12U-ND TE-M32M4-A12U
136-TE-M32M3-A12U-ND TE-M32M3-A12U
136-TE-M32M2-A12U-ND TE-M32M2-A12U
136-TE-M32M4-A12C-ND TE-M32M4-A12C
136-TE-M32M5-A12U-ND TE-M32M5-A12U
1790-IQS269A00QNRTR-ND,1790-IQS269A00QNRCT-ND,1790-IQS269A00QNRDKR-ND IQS269A00QNR
MTCH112-I/MF-ND MTCH112-I/MF
MTCH112-I/SN-ND MTCH112-I/SN
MTCH112T-I/SN-ND MTCH112T-I/SN
AT42QT5480-CUTR-ND,AT42QT5480-CUCT-ND,AT42QT5480-CUDKR-ND AT42QT5480-CU
MTCH112T-I/MF-ND MTCH112T-I/MF

Infrared Touch Sensor

In infrared touch sensors, an array of infrared LEDs and photodetectors are employed to detect a touch on an external surface in front of the sensor within a specific range. When a user touches the surface within the sensing area, the infrared beam becomes obstructed, which can be detected by the array of photodiodes on the opposite side of the LED array. The structure of infrared touch sensors is relatively simple, usually consisting of an emitter to emit infrared light and a receiver to detect it.

image

Key Properties of Infrared Touch Sensors

  • There is no need to physically touch the infra-red sensor for touch detection. Users can simply position their fingers within the infrared sensing area.
  • They support multi-touch and allow for various gestures using multiple fingers simultaneously.
  • They can cover large surface areas and thus are compatible with large displays and screens.
  • As there is no physical touch, these sensors exhibit strong adaptability to surface materials and shapes and do not suffer wear and tear.

Applications of Infrared Touch Sensors

  • Large Interactive Displays: Infrared Touch Sensors can be used in applications where large screen displays are required, such as interactive presentations in educational and corporate environments and public places such as museums, airports and malls.

  • Industrial Control Panels: These sensors can be used where durability and various input methods are used for touch detection.

  • Medical Devices: They can be used in touchscreen medical equipment where requirements for easily cleaned surfaces and high durability are crucial.

  • Gaming and Entertainment: They can be used in casinos and arcade games where large interactive touchscreens are required.

Infrared Touch Sensors Available With DigiKey
DK Part # Mfr Part #
1816-1016-ND NN AMC 1150 PC01
1816-1000-ND NNAMC1220PC01
1816-1002-ND NNAMC1800PC01
1816-NNAMC1801PC01-ND NN AMC 1801 PC01
1816-1001-ND NNAMC1580PC01
1816-1004-ND NNAMC2300PC01
1816-1003-ND NNAMC2090PC01
1816-NNAMC2301PC01-ND NN AMC 2301 PC01
1816-1005-ND NNAMC2950PC01
1816-NNAMC2951PC01-ND NN AMC 2951 PC01
1816-NNAMC3461PC01-ND NN AMC 3461 PC01
1816-1018-ND NN AMC 3100 PC01
1816-1006-ND NNAMC3460PC01
1816-NNAMC1221PC01-ND NN AMC 1221 PC01
1816-NNAMC1581PC01-ND NN AMC 1581 PC01
1816-NNAMC2091PC01-ND NN AMC 2091 PC01
1816-NNAMC3101PC01-ND NN AMC 3101 PC01
1816-NNAMC1151PC01-ND NN AMC 1151 PC01
1816-NNAMC1151PCEV-ND NN AMC 1151 PCEV
1816-1007-ND NNAMC1220PCEV
1816-1008-ND NNAMC1580PCEV
1816-NNAMC1801PCEV-ND NN AMC 1801 PCEV
1816-1009-ND NNAMC1800PCEV
1816-1010-ND NNAMC2090PCEV
1816-NNAMC2301PCEV-ND NN AMC 2301 PCEV
1816-NNAMC1581PCEV-ND NN AMC 1581 PCEV
1816-NNAMC2951PCEV-ND NN AMC 2951 PCEV
1816-NNAMC3101PCEV-ND NN AMC 3101 PCEV
1816-1017-ND NN AMC 3100 PCEV
1816-NNAMC3461PCEV-ND NN AMC 3461 PCEV
1816-1013-ND NNAMC3460PCEV
1816-NNAMC1221PCEV-ND NN AMC 1221 PCEV
1816-NNAMC2091PCEV-ND NN AMC 2091 PCEV
1816-1014-ND NNAMCMAXIPCEX
1816-1015-ND NN AMC 1150 PCEV
1816-1012-ND NNAMC2950PCEV
1816-1011-ND NNAMC2300PCEV
1816-NNAMCMAXIPCEY-ND NN AMC MAXIPCEY

Ultrasonic Touch Sensors

Ultrasonic touch sensors are a type of technology that uses sound waves, typically in the ultrasonic frequency range, to detect touch and gestures. Ultrasonic touch sensors consist of an array of an ultrasonic sensors placed around the edges of a surface (glass or plastic). They emit ultrasonic sound waves which propagate across the surface of the touch panel. When there is a touch, the ultrasonic waves become obstructed, and the touch position can be determined by detecting the change in the wave patterns.

Key Properties of Ultrasonic Touch Sensors

  • Ultrasonic touch sensors do not require physical contact; they can detect touch by sensing the position of placed fingers or any other object within the ultrasonic sensing area.

  • They are not sensitive to ambient light and other interference.

  • They offer a degree of flexibility in designing them with different shapes and by using different materials.

  • Ultrasonic touch sensors enable long distance sensing as the sensing is not limited to direct contact with the touch surface.

Applications of Ultrasonic Touch Sensors

  • Ultrasonic touch sensors can be used in harsh outdoor environments where dirt and moisture are unavoidable.

  • They are used in medical facilities where cleanliness is a critical parameter. This is because they are easy to clean and disinfect without damaging the touch surface.

  • They are used in industrial control panels where large touchscreens need to work reliably despite exposure to contaminants and the use of gloves or other input methods.

  • In the automotive industry, ultrasonic sensors can be used to detect the presence of obstacles, enabling features like automatic parking and collision avoidance.

  • These sensors can be used to create touchless interfaces, where users can control devices by simply waving or gesturing in the air.

Optical Touch Sensor

Optical touch sensors use cameras or infrared light to detect touch input by capturing the light beams or image patterns on a surface. They consist of an array of infra-red LEDs and photoreceptors at the edges of a touch surface. The photoreceptors may be cameras or other light detectors. When a user touches the surface within the sensing area, the light beam is disrupted, and the photoreceptor detects which light beam has been disrupted. Based on this detection, the optical touch sensor can determine which point on the surface has been touched.

Key Properties of Optical Touch Sensors

  • Optical touch sensors do not require any pressure or physical contact for sensing a touch and support multi-touch.

  • Precise detection is possible due to their high sensitivity. They are suitable for operations utilizing styluses and handwriting.

  • They exhibit design flexibility and can be manufactured in transparent forms allowing for application on transparent and semitransparent surfaces.

  • As they do not require physical contact, they are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Applications of Optical Touch Sensors

  • They can be used in application where large screen size is required such as displays on airports.

  • They are used in large interactive displays that support multi touch gestures and inputs.

  • Due to their ability to handle various input methods, they are used in public kiosks.

  • They can be used in gaming machines where multiple users can interact simultaneously.

Selection Tips for Choosing the Best Touch Sensor

When selecting and designing touch sensors for an application, several key factors must be considered to ensure the sensor meets the project’s functional, environmental, and usability requirements.

  • During the design phase, an appropriate touch technology should be chosen based on the application requirements, such as capacitive, resistive, optical, or hover. Different technologies have their own advantages and limitations, which need to be carefully considered.

  • It’s important to determine the necessary accuracy and sensitivity of the touch system based on application requirements. Some applications may demand high precision, while others may prioritize sensitivity.

  • Consideration should be given to the performance of the touch system in different environmental conditions such as indoor or outdoor settings, humidity, temperature, and lighting conditions.

  • The design of touch sensors should be flexible to adapt to different shapes and sizes of display screens, as well as integration into various devices and applications.

  • Cost considerations for manufacturing and integrating touch sensors should also be taken into account. Sometimes simpler technologies may have lower costs, but they may not meet the requirements of certain applications.