Resistive (4-, 5-, 7- and 8-wire)

Sensor Materials

Glass or Acrylic substrate, Spacer dots, Polyester sheet(s)

Principle of Operation

  • A touch compresses the flexible Top layer into contact with the bottom glass layer.
  • A voltage gradient is applied to the top and bottom layer (X and Y axis) sequentially.
  • The controller calculates the X and Y position of the touch based on the voltage gradient applied to one side and using the opposite side as a voltage probe.

Illustration 1: Resistive Touch

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Most widely used touch technology PET top sheet is highly susceptible to scratches, cuts and cigarette burns
Can be activated by bare finger, gloved hand, or stylus PET layer is a flexing mechanical element coated with a conductive
Low cost Transmission typically in 80 % to 85 %
Limited to two resolvable points; three or more resolvable points requires

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