Differences Between Capacitive & Resistive Touch ScreensBy Sara Melone, an eHow Contributing Writer Touch screens have made the world more accessible through cell phones, bank ATM machines and computers. They allow consumers to access information more quickly and more accurately. In consumer electronics, there are two main types of touch screens in mass usage. Capacitive and resistive touch screens both perform the same function, but in different ways. 1. Resistive Construction *. According to TVI Electronics, an analog resistive touch screen is made with multiple layers of film that rest above the screen. Each layer is coated with a transparent material known as indium tin oxide, which is also referred to as ITO. The analog controller measures the change in resistance between the layers when the user touches the screen. 2. Capacitive Construction *. The capacitive touch screen works through an electrical charge. The glass panel is coated with a special material that is able to store an electrical charge. TVI Electronics indicates the touch screen is made of a two-layer grid comprised of electrodes that connect to a circuit. As the user touches the capacitive screen with a finger, a partial charge is transferred to the user, which is registered by the touch screen panel control. 3. Resistive Functioning *. A resistive touch screen basically works through applied pressure. As the user applies gentle pressure to the face of the screen, the sensors built into the touch screen are able to read where the point of pressure is being applied and respond accordingly. Many users prefer this style of resistive touch screen, because it allows them to use a finger, a fingernail, a stylus or stylus-shaped object to perform various functions on the screen with precision. The ability to use a stylus gives the user pinpoint accuracy, especially when performing tasks such as capturing handwritten notes or drawing or editing photos. 4. Capacitive Functioning *. The capacitive screen functions differently from the resistive screen, because it does not respond the same way to pressure. A user cannot use a traditional stylus with capacitive touch, and in many cases, the user must make complete contact with the full pad of the finger before the capacitive touch screen will fully engage to carry out the users intentions. On the plus side, the capacitive touch allows a user to perform functions not possible with a resistive screen. The user can quickly change the orientation of images with the thumb and forefinger, and many users find operation on a capacitive touch smoother and more rapid.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 17:23:20 +0000