The evolution of the touch-sensor display continues to challenge engineers to wring out higher performance at cost-effective levels. According to the path set forward by your marketing team, success for the next-generation device depends on three key factors:

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• A projected-capacitive (PROCAP) touch display
• A faster processor for faster data rates
• Improved antenna performance to ensure success in the field

To ensure a timely design solution to meet each of the design goals, it’s imperative to understand that each of these goals depends on a robust electromagnetic interference (EMI) set of solutions. Otherwise, the touch will not display, the added speed will be lost to higher error rates, and improved antenna performance can fade with time.

PROCAP Touch Sensor Display

Step one begins with the PROCAP touch display. Designers select this type of display interface for many reasons, including multi-touch capability, speed, sensitivity, and overall functionality. Other options exist, such as resistive touch sensor displays, both acoustic and optical, but each comes up a little short in one of the desired areas directed by the marketing team.

Jeff McCutcheon is a senior technical specialist at 3M responsible for technical and application support for the 3M EMI & Thermal Materials solutions to the electronics marketplace. He has been with 3M for 17 years. Previously, he worked for various electronics companies such as Seagate Technology working on components used in hard-disk drives. He holds a BS in engineering from the University of Minnesota. He can be contacted at jeffmccutcheon@mmm.com.

The PROCAP display is designed by making an array or grid pattern that utilizes a conductive material (e.g., indium tin oxide, or ITO) on an optically clear substrate. The grid pattern design can vary significantly for a given device.

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