Introduction

Membrane switch is defined by ASTM (American Standards Test Methods) subcommittee on Membrane Switches as: "A momentary switch device in which at least one contact is on, or made of, flexible substrate." In practical terms it refers to an array of low voltage momentary switches, which are actuated by screen printed flexible graphic verlay. It is very important user interface in modern electronic equipment of all types.

Construction of Membrane Switch

Membrane switch is constructed with 4, 5 or more layers showing as illustrated below. The decorative Graphic Layer has the identification of each key and communicate with users. Membrane Layer carrries one of the poles. When it makes a contact with Static Layer circuit, which carries the other pole, the circuit is closed. The button layer provides tactile feedback to the user. Often the Static layer carries both of the poles, which are closed when the tactile button is depress. All these layers rest on a bottom layer which has adhesives so that the entire membrane switch can be rested on a rigid surface.

Now show two typical constructions as below.

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