Resistive Touch

In the early 1990s, Clicktouch introduced its Resistive Touchscreens (RTS) technology. Over the years we have built up extensive knowledge. To realize the best possible solution, in every application and in every specific condition, ClickTouch chooses the technology with the best proven track record for a specified use.

In addition to the standard dimensions, ClickTouch is also strong in completely customized sensors. We design and manufacture our touchscreens according to the specific requirements of each customer. In this way we offer great flexibility in design and implementation, as is the case with our other technologies.

Touchscreens can be combined with other input systems, such as membrane keyboards, in order to be complete
obtain integrated solutions.

Technology

When a finger presses onto a resistive touchscreen sensor, it makes an actual electrical contact. The screen consists of a glass substrate topped by two layers of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), each coated with ITO (indium-tin oxide). These are separated by an air gap and held apart with spacer dots. Below that is an insulating substrate, usually made of glass.

There are two different types of conductive layers. The first type is called matrix, in which striped electrodes on substrates face each other. The second type is called analogue which consists of transparent electrodes without any patterning facing each other.

When contact is made to the surface of the touchscreen, the two sheets are pressed together to physically come in contact. On these two sheets there are horizontal and vertical lines that, when pushed together, register the precise location of the touch. Because the touchscreen senses input from contact with nearly any object (finger, stylus/pen, palm) resistive touchscreens are a type of “passive” technology.

Resistive touchscreens come in 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-wire variants, which offer different degrees of durability and noise suppression.

The primary value proposition of resistive touchscreens is that they are lower cost to manufacture. Although resistive-touch performance is usually limited to basic single-finger touches and gestures, it still serves a wide user base. Resistive touchscreens can be found in automotive, medical, and industrial equipment, and of course, point-of-sale (POS) terminals.